Twilight's Life

Chapters

New Life
Hello World
Royal Visit
Preparations And Premonition
Foalsitting Fun
Family Frenzy
Parades And Cakes

New Life

“Come on Shining, time to wake up,” Night Light was entering his son’s room with a warm smile that vanished as soon as he looked at his son’s empty bed. “Shining?” he asked, looking around the room, under the bed and in the wardrobe. But no Shining was to be found. He was about to look in the waste bin when something pounced at him from above, sending him sprawling on the ground and squealing like a filly on her first Nightmare Night.

“Gotcha, dad! You gotta be careful, criminals could be everywhere!”
Night Light shook his head in mild amusement. Ever since he was small and got that old badge from his uncle, Shining Armor had always wanted to join the royal guard. Even though his parents weren’t exactly fond of the idea of their son becoming a soldier, the prospect of trying to allure Shining from it was as fun as being banished to the moon.

But, Night Light thought, I’m sure he will be the best guard the Princess ever had. His resolve was astounding for a colt his age, and his ability to reason was incredible. And, his parents included, his magic abilities were beyond the capabilities of most adult ponies..

Night Light chuckled. The neighbors can vouch for that. He remembered when he had taught Shining how to conjure a force field. While Night Light was only able to conjure one only strong enough to protect an apple, Shining had managed to wrap not only them, but also their direct neighbors in his.

Unfortunately for them, Night Light forgot to tell him to how to stop the spell. Before he could stop it, the neighbors’ force field decided to expanse it’s scope by tumbling down the main street of Canterlot, bumping everything out of it’s way – no matter if pony, griffon or stand – only to be stopped by Steel Hide, captain of the royal guard. When he had seen what Shining was able to do, he insisted that Shining joined the guard right away.

‘We absolutely must have somepony like him! He’s got a big future ahead of him. He will probably be lieutenant when he’s reached my age. But only if he starts training under my wing right away. I am asking…no, I am COMMANDING you to let him join us. NOW! I will make a real stallion out of your son, Sir!’ he had said.

But through all the bidding of his son and the challenging stare of Steel Hide, Night Light had to decline, telling him that he wanted his son to finish school first, and that his wife would most likely kill him if he came wandering back home, saying something like, ‘Hi honey, how was your day? I’m going out to hide myself. Why? Oh, I just enlisted Shining in Boot Camp.’

So, after feverishly apologizing to the neighbors and promising Shining some candy for him to stop being mad at him, which had turned out to be a six layer marzipan – chocolate cake, he had taken Shining and brought him back home. Shining, still a bit mad, had emphasized the day’s events to his mother, which caused a storm of clouts for Night Light by a furious Velvet, who continued her rant by shouting something about “high class” and “influential neighbors,” which Night Light had ignored skillfully, causing another bout of clouts that he would remember grimly for a long time.

While being stuck in his reverie, he didn’t notice Shining was talking to him, until he started shouting right in his ear.

“EQUESTRIA TO DAD, ANYPONY HOME???” Night Light winced, causing Shining to tumble off of him. “Ow, Dad, why did you have to do that?” Shining asked while rubbing his forehead.

“What is all the shouting and squealing about?” a voice behind Night Light asked. A pony was standing in the door. She was a white mare with a white-purple streaked mane and three purple stars as a cutie mark.

“Velvet! You know you are supposed to stay in bed!” Night Light chided his wife. “You have to rest. You are carrying a pony with you after all.” Indeed it was easy to tell that Velvet was going to foal soon. Her belly had grown over the past months, and after a visit to the doctor they were told that the big day could be any day now.

“Tell me how to lie down and relax knowing I can be foaling any minute now. Shining, stop that ruckus, it is time for school,” Velvet said, looking at her son.

“But mo-ohm, I don’t wanna go to school! It’s boring. I already can do math and read and write. Why can’t I just join the Royal Guard right away?” Velvet and Night Light simultaneously sighed. They had had this discussion before and, even with wanting their son to be what he always dreamed of, they knew that it was very important for a colt of his age to visit school.

“Come now Shining, we’ve been over this before. You know that we want you to finish school first,” Velvet said.

“But mom, school is boring! Even the magic class for Unicorns is boring. They’re practicing spells I knew when I was five!” Shining complained.

“But Shining,” Night Light looked at his son sternly “You know how important academic training is. It could even boost your career once you become a royal guard.”

“Plus,” Velvet added with a smirk, “You get to see your favorite friend again. Isn’t that great? What was her name again?” Velvet rubbed her face with a hoof in mock contemplation.

A soft hue of red grazed Shining’s face when thinking about that certain filly. She was his age – well, she looked like she was his age. Shining had some problems with gauging the age of alicorns, and, he admitted with fire red cheeks, she was probably the most beautiful thing Shining had ever laid eyes on. Her soft, pink coat, her beautiful, also pink wings, her magnificent, three toned mane, her heart shaped cutie mark that screamed “princess of love.” But the most stunning aspect of her appearance was her breathtaking, violet eyes. Oh, he could lose himself in those eyes. He could extol them. He could write odes about them. He… flinched when he saw the grinning faces of his parents. Shaking himself out of his reverie, he realized his burning cheeks, and the drool started to escape his muzzle. He blushed even more before shaking his head and yelling, “We are just friends!”

Velvet chuckled. “Of course you are, now go on or you will be late. You don’t want to keep your little fillyfriend waiting.” Shining glared for a second before starting to leave. “Your bag and food are on the kitchen counter, have a good time.”

Shining nodded, mumbling a quick “Okay, mom,” and running out of the room.

“Have fun and pay attention to your teachers, not Cadance’s flank.” Velvet called after her son. A pained “Mooooooooom” was the only response she got.

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“So, what are the plans for today?” Velvet asked her husband as soon as the front door fell shut.

“Well, first I have to make you lie down again,” Night Light answered with a smirk.
Velvet huffed.

“I’m not going to spend every waking minute lying around, doing nothing.” she said. She continued to watch him sternly before breaking into a smile.

“Can you believe that we’re having another child?” she asked him. Night Light smiled at his wife before pulling her into a kiss and laying her down on their hearth rug. She continued to roll onto her side, so as not to hurt her foal. Night Light bent his neck and kissed her belly gently. Velvet giggled. “You have been doing this every day now,” she said while prodding him gently.

“I’m just so excited and happy to have my little foal,” he replied. They continued to lie next to each other, just taking comfort in each other’s company.

Unfortunately, Night Light had a job to attend to. He slowly rose to his hooves while Velvet continued to lie on the rug. He went to the kitchen, grabbed his briefcase and wandered back to his wife. He bent down, planting a kiss on her forehead.

“Don’t overexert yourself, you hear? You have to carry a little pony after all,” he said, looking down. Velvet nodded, smiling at him. “Have a good day at work.” She smiled up at him. “Just be careful, ok? If anything is the matter or even if you need anything, just send me note. I’ll be here as fast as possible.”

Velvet nodded and shooed him out. He walked up to the door and opened it before turning around and smiling at his wife. “I love you, honey,” he said.

“I love you too, shmoopy,” she answered. He shuddered at his least favorite nickname, and continued out of the door. Velvet giggled at his contorting face as the door closed behind him.

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Shining was walking through the hallway of his school when he heard a melodic voice call him. He turned around, only to instantly start blushing and sweating. There she was. The mare of his dreams. Beauty itself. The three–toned mane bound into a ponytail. Princess Cadance, Princess of Love, niece of Princess Celestia herself, was walking up to him. Her beautiful eyes were resting upon him.

Oh those beautiful, magnificent, shining eyes, he thought, already becoming poetic in his head.

“Shining? Shining, are you alright? You look like you’re sick,” Cadance said, looking at him with a worried glance. Shining shook his head out of his daydream, trying to focus on the conversation with her. “Shining?” Cadance asked again.

“Yeeeees?” Shining asked, trying to sound like he was listening the whole time.

“Ooh-kaaaaay,” Cadance said, eyeing him suspiciously. “How are you?” she asked, attempting to maintain conversation.

“Perfect, just perfect. How about you?” Shining answered.

“I’m fine. So, how’s your mother? Shouldn’t she be due anytime now?”

Shining scratched his head, relieved that there was a topic they could talk about without him drifting off into the dreams of him wearing his polished armor and carrying her off in a romantic way, with everyone chasing them as they ran away to get married and live a happy life in a faraway land.

“Yeah, it could be any day now,” he replied, casually leaning against the wall, only to slip and fall on his side.

“Really?!! This is so GREAT! I love newborn foals,” Cadance replied exuberantly. She giggled when she saw Shining lying on the floor and picked him up with her magic, gently setting him down on his hooves.

“Erm, thanks,” Shining mumbled, a red tinge appearing on his face. Cadance giggled again. She could never admit it to him, but she found him rather cute. His ruffled blue mane with that rebellious, ice blue streak, his shining white coat, that cute blush he always had whenever looking at her or doing something stupid in front of her, and his beautiful eyes that seemed to shine with an inner spark. She always dreamed of him taking her in his guard armor, and bringing her to faraway lands to marry and have lots of foals with her.

She knew that this could never happen though. She was a princess after all and they were just friends. It wasn’t as if they were those kind of friends. Like lovers. But deep inside, she always awaited that day when he would claim her, take her and be her special somepony forever. She always felt that little fire inside her heart when looking at him. She always imagined that, as the princess of love, this was some kind of signal for her, like a ray of her beloved aunt’s sun on a stormy day.

She shook her head to clear her thoughts only to notice that Shining was looking at her with that same blank stare from before. She coughed to get his attention back.

“Well, how about we leave for history? I think today Mr. Grumpyfeathers will talk about his ancestor, Commander Hurricane,” Cadance said, looking at him expectantly. Shining groaned.

“Again?” he asked, clearly annoyed at the prospect. Cadance started to giggle, which Shining joined into soon after. “Alright,” he said, shaking his head, “Lead the way.” They started walking, only for Cadance to suddenly wrap a wing around him, which made his white cheeks look like they were burning with an inner fire. Cadence watched him with mirth. Who knows, she thought, maybe one day we will be more than ‘just friends.’

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Night Light approached his workplace, a little complex right in front of the gates that isolated the castle of the great Princess Celestia from the rest of the city of Canterlot. He entered the building, his thoughts at his home where he had to leave his heavily pregnant wife.

“Hey Night Light,” a voice called behind him. He turned around to see his colleague and best friend Star Shine approach him.

“Hey Shine,” Night Light greeted, shaking his friends hoof. “So, how’s the wife doing? Due anytime now, isn’t she?” Star casually asked as they began to walk towards their office. “Yes. And she’s always so excited. She is hoping it’s a filly this time,” Night Light replied as they passed their head’s office.

As if on cue, the boss stepped out of his office, cutting off Night Light and Star Shine. “Night Light, can I talk to you for a second? Star Shine, you may proceed with your work,” he said while keeping an eye on Night Light the whole time. Star Shine exchanged a worried glance with Night Light, before nodding and continuing his walk into their common office. Night Light started to sweat as he followed his boss and sat down in front of his desk.

“Night Light, there is a matter of great importance I was informed about. Something great is about to happen and I have to act as quickly as possible before the situation gets out of hoof,” he deadpanned.
Night Light gulped. What was wrong? Was he about to lose his job? But how would he feed his family without job? They would have to leave Canterlot. It would hurt both him and Velvet, but it would completely break Shining Armor, having to leave his friends, his (even if he denied it) great love Cadence, as well as making it harder for him to join the royal guard.

“W-what is t-t-the matter, Mr. Heartstrings?” he asked in a shaky voice.

“Well, Night Light. You are doing an excellent job, but…” Night Light’s heart sank “…I believe you should be at home now, tending to your pregnant wife,” Mr. Heartstrings continued, beginning to smile. “Therefore, I’m giving you off until three days after your foal’s birth so you have enough time to be with both him or her and your wife. Enjoy your time.” Night Light was at a loss of words.

“Th-thank you Mr. Heartstrings,” he stuttered. “But why are you doing this for me?”

Mr. Heartstrings turned a picture on his desk, showing him with a mint green unicorn foal on his back. “Because I’m a father myself, and therefore, I know how important it is to be present on your foal’s birth, as well as tending to the father – foal relationship,” he replied, still smiling.

“Thank you so much Sir,” Night Light all but shouted, before standing up and making his way out of the office.

“Hey, Night Light, where are you going?” Star Shine asked.

“I’m going Home. Mr. Heartstrings gave me off until three days after my foal’s birth for ‘bonding’,” Night Light said, winking at him.

“Great, have a good time, and remember to inform me once he or she is born,” Star Shine replied.

“Sure thing, you’re the first,” Night Light called before leaving.

Meanwhile, Velvet was at home, reading a book. As to not hurt her unborn foal, she was lying on her side, keeping the book up with her magic. It proved to be very strenuous, as she was still sharing her energy with her foal. After half an hour, she put the book down to take a short break, as sweat was beginning to appear on her forehead. Frowning slightly, she looked down at her belly.

When are you going to come out, my little pony? she asked herself while looking down at the spot most sacred to her. We are waiting for you. Your mommy wants to hold you so badly, so when are you going to be here?

As if answering her question, her foal gave a soft kick, making her belly bulge a little. She smiled. She knew that she would have the most beautiful foal in all of Equestria. Getting up, she remembered she had stayed at home for some time now, and decided it was high time to take a stroll.

As she approached the door, she suddenly felt her leg getting wet, followed by a pang in her belly. As she looked down, she saw a small puddle forming underneath her.

Now? she thought incredulously, Of all the times you could have chosen to come out in the past week, you’re choosing NOW? Velvet dropped to her knees as another pang ripped through her. She immediately set off the signal she and Night Light had been studying, for exactly this moment.

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Night Light was just exiting the office complex when he heard some sort of ringing. He immediately knew what was up, as this was the ‘foal’s coming’ signal from Velvet. And he knew exactly what to do. He started to run in circles, absolutely NOT knowing what to do.

The foal’s coming, what should I do??? Wait, I should get home first and check on Velvet. Yes, that sounds right! he thought before setting of towards their house.

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“Oh Night Light, where are you?” Velvet hissed. She was lying on the floor, holding her belly as her labor was starting to increase in intensity and rate.

“MAKE WAY!” Night Light yelled as he raced down the road leading to his house, key already floating in his magic. Twenty paces away, he shot the key at the hole, throwing the door open to reveal a pained looking Velvet lying on the floor. “VELVET!,” Night Light yelled, scared at seeing his wife in such a state.

“STOP SCREAMING AROUND AND GET ME TO THE HOSPITAL YOU LUNKHEAD!” Velvet shouted back, screaming in pain as another pang made her whole frame shake.

Night Light stood in the door, unsure of what to do. “Um, how are you feeling?” he asked her. Velvet glared at him, the ends of her mane beginning to smolder. Night Light stepped back before working his magic and gently lifting Velvet onto his back before closing the door and running towards the hospital.

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They arrived a few minutes later, with Velvet screaming from time to time. Night Light stormed up to the counter, where a nurse was explaining something to an old stallion.

“Help, my wife is getting her foal,” Night Light said.

Before the nurse could reply, the old stallion turned, his face contorted in rage. “Hey, sonny, excuse me, but I’m in front of you. You sit down and wait ‘till it’s your turn,” he snarled, before turning and muttering, “Those darn kids today.”

“But Sir…,” Night Light said, “My wife is getting her foal and-”

Before he could continue however, a voice akin to the growl of a dragon sounded from his back. “LISTEN GRANDPA, YOU BETTER MOVE YOUR WRINKLED FLANK OUTTA THE WAY OR I’M GONNA KICK IT TO THE MOON,” Velvet screamed, her mane starting to burn. The old stallion almost collapsed, but immediately ducked away from the counter. Night Light looked at his wife in shock before shaking his head and addressing the nurse.

“My wife’s foal is coming,” he deadpanned.

“OK, Sir, when did she go into labor?” the nurse asked.

“TWENTY DARN MINUTES AGO,” Velvet screamed. The nurse cringed, but continued.

“Alright, you have to fill out this form to…” she started, but was interrupted by a manticore’s roar.

“I’LL GIVE YOU A FORM, YOU LITTLE…”

“Please, just hurry,“ Night Light pleaded, fearing for both his wife and his head.

The nurse nodded and called for a doctor. A few seconds later, a lanky stallion with a white mane and a bushy mustache entered the entrance area.

“Well, what seems to be the problem here?” he asked, eyeing them.

“My wife is having our foal any minute now,” Night Light answered.

“That’s great to hear, son, but what has this have to do with me?” the doctor asked, narrowing his eyes in thought. Night Light looked at him incredulous.

“IS HE SERIOUS??? HURRY UUUUUUUAAAAAAAAAAAAA,” Velvet screamed, contracting even more.

“Please, you are the doctor, aren’t you?” Night Light asked.

“I am?” the old stallion replied. He looked down his body. “Oh, you’re right. That explains why I’m in a hospital. Please follow me,” he chuckled as he made his way to the maternity ward. Night Light looked after him, one of his eyes twitching. ‘I don’t even…’

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“Alright, I need you to press now, Velvet,” the doctor said. Despite being a little preoccupied, he proved to be a very skilled physician.

Velvet pressed with all her might, her face beginning to redden, sweat pouring down in streams. Night Light was standing beside her bed, holding her fore hoof.

“You are doing great, honey,” he whispered to her. Velvet only screamed as she convulsed again. She turned her face to glare at Night Light, smoke rising from her nostrils.

“YOU DID THIS TO ME! AGAIN! TWO TIMES IN MY SHORT LIFE! YOU MONSTER! YOU…YOU...” She stopped screaming only to start strangling him with her fore hooves. Two orderlies grabbed her to stop her. “LET ME GO! LET ME STRANGLE THIS MORON! HE DESERVES IT AND YOU KNOW IT!” Night Light got up from the ground, stepping next to her again and taking her fore hoof again.

“Honey, relax. It can’t be that bad, now can it?”

It is said that a mare giving birth develops strengths formerly unknown. Night Light soon found out that these claims were true as he was flung through the room, soon joined by two orderlies. A nurse quickly stepped next to Night Light.

“Are you alright?” she asked. Night Light, seeing stars, attempted to nod, only to collapse again.

“Perhaps you should go to the waiting area?” she asked. Night Light slowly nodded, getting up and out of the room, his wife’s screams accompanying him as he went.

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A short time later Night Light was pacing around the room, nervously glancing at the clock on the wall.

Three thirty, he thought to himself. She’s been in there for one hour now. I wonder what’s- His train of thought was interrupted by a nurse entering the room.

Night Light rushed at her. “How is she? Is everything alright? How long’s it gonna take till I can see her? When –” The nurse placed a hoof over his mouth, silencing his chatter. Night Light slowly relaxed. When the nurse saw that he was calm, she drew her hoof away.

“Well?,” Night Light prompted, his gaze almost piercing the nurse. The nurse gave him a wide, warm smile.

“Congratulations sir, you are the father of a happy and very healthy little filly.” The corners of Night Light’s mouth lifted up until he was smiling so broad that the nurse feared she would have to sew him up again.

“Can I see them?” he asked, still grinning.

“Follow me” she said, turning and walking towards the maternity ward.

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When Night Light entered his wife’s room, he was immediately greeted by a sight of destruction. Bed sheets lay on the floor, ripped apart; an orderly was in a corner, still knocked out, and the equipment was varying from “scratched” to “annihilated.”

But the sight on the bed made up for it. In it Velvet reclined, holding a small bundle in her forelegs. When she saw Night Light approaching, she looked at him, smiling and shedding tears of joy. She shifted a little and showed Night Light the front side of the bundle.

In it was the most beautiful filly Night Light had ever seen. Her dark purple mane with the pink streak in it, her purple coat, her stubby little horn on top of her pretty head, and the cutest face Night Light had ever laid eyes on. As he watched, the filly yawned lightly before snuggling closer into her mothers’ coat.

Night Light sat down next to the bed, watching as the little filly, his little filly, began to snore lightly. He looked up to see that Velvet was watching him, smiling broadly.

“She’s so beautiful,” Night Light whispered, his own tears of happiness flowing from his eyes. Velvet nodded lightly as she lay there, basking in the warmth being a mother of a newborn foal brought to her heart. She watched as the little filly squirmed a bit in her sleep, and she brought her closer to her face to gently lick at her face and neck. The filly soon calmed down and drifted further to sleep. Night Light watched them, his heart swelling with pride.

“What name should we give her?” Velvet suddenly asked him. He pulled himself out of his dreamlike state and looked his wife in the eyes.

He smiled and got up to gently kiss his wife on her forehead, causing her to giggle lightly. “You choose, you deserve it after all you went through”, he said.

She looked down for a moment before whispering a soft apology. “What for?” Night Light asked.

“For yelling at you and hurting you,” she answered, a tear glistening in her eye. Night Light started to nuzzle her gently.

“It’s alright, you have nothing to feel sorry about,” he calmly replied.

“But…” Velvet started before Night Light placed a hoof on her mouth.

“It’s alright,” he repeated. She smiled at him.

“Now, name her,” Night Light said, winking at her. Velvet thought for a few minutes, Night Light patiently watching her. After a while, she locked eyes with him and started to smile again.

“I found the perfect name,” she said.

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When Shining Armor got home from school, he was greeted with an empty house. “Hello? Anypony home?” he called, waiting for an reply. When none came, he stepped back outside, only to bump into their neighbor, Mr. Greenhooves.

“Hello Shining Armor, are you looking for your parents?” he friendly asked.

“Yes sir. Have you seen them?” Shining replied, looking up at the bulky stallion. He nodded.

“Your father left with your mother on his back. Sounded like she was in labor. If I were you, I would head to the hospital. Well, goodbye then,” he said, turning around and walking back towards his home. Shining stood there for a moment before closing the door and starting towards the hospital.

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Velvet and Night Light were chatting lightly when the door opened, revealing a panting Shining Armor. “Mom, Dad, I came here as soon as I heard the news,” he said, gasping.

“Shining, relax, everything is alright,” Night Light replied, stepping up to his son. “Congratulations, son, you have a little sister now. Go on and see her,” he said, smiling.

As soon as Shining could breathe steadily, he approached the bed. His mother smiled up at him, before turning the bundle she was holding towards him. “Wow. She’s gorgeous,” he stated, closing the distance and looking into his sisters’ little face.

Roused from his voice, the filly opened her eyelids to reveal two beautiful purple eyes. The filly eyed him for a second before giving a delighted squeal, and hugging his muzzle. She nuzzled his muzzle before closing her eyes and falling to sleep again. Velvet chuckled. “She already seems to like you, Shining,” she whispered.

Shining Armor’s eyes opened wide before he relaxed and gave a big smile. “She has to be the cutest filly I ever laid eyes on. What’s her name?” he asked. Velvet smiled and locked eyes with him.

“Shining Armor, I’d like to introduce you to your little sister, Twilight Sparkle.”

End of Chapter 1

Hello World

Shining stayed another hour close to his sister due to the fact that Twilight would start to cry as soon as he tried moving his muzzle away. As soon as he had freed himself, he departed for home, his father staying behind to initiate his mother’s discharge, as she had made very clear that she didn’t want to stay in the hospital, her ‘point’ being two plates thrown after a nurse’s head when she informed her that the doctor planned to keep her for a few days. Shining stepped out of the hospital, watching the sun beginning to set on the horizon, and the moon initiating its slow ascent.. He smiled. It had been a great day. Who would have thought that he would get such a cute baby sister? He decided not to take the direct way home, but to take a stroll through the park next to the castle grounds. As he walked, he thought about the day and what future would hold for him and his family, now that Twilight was born.

It’s going to be entirely different now, but it’s going to be SO awesome! I have a little sis now! Twily and I are going to be the best siblings Equestria has ever seen. Oh, we’re gonna have so much fun together. I’ ll teach her everything I know about magic, games, and shenanigans, and she and I and Cadence… he stopped his train of thought and looked at the castle.

“CADENCE!” he shouted. “She wanted to know as soon as possible. I have to tell her,” he said to himself as he ran to the castle gates. He was sure that, as soon as he explained the whole situation, the guards would most certainly let him in.

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“We are most certainly NOT letting you in!” Shining was standing at the front gates, with two royal guards staring down at him, eyeing him suspiciously. Shining was looking from one to the other, contemplating what to do.

”But please, Sirs. I promised Cadence…”

“PRINCESS Cadence, peasant!”

“Yes, Sir. I promised Princess Cadence that I would tell her about my newborn sister as soon as possible. If you could just…”

”NO,” one of them, a huge unicorn, bellowed. “You are absolutely NOT allowed to enter the castle. If you want an audience with the princess, you’ll have to fill out this form -” He pointed to a sheet of paper that was nailed to a board on the fence. “ - And wait until you get an appointment! As for today, the royal court has ended!”

“But please, Sir, it won’t take long, I promise.”

”Hey, maybe you should let the colt go …”

“ENOUGH,” the unicorn shouted. “I said no, and that’s final. If you dare make any more trouble, the only thing you will see in this palace, is the dungeons.”

Shining’s head drooped and he turned away, starting to walk home again. He had taken three steps before he suddenly stopped and turned again, looking at to castle. The two guards tensed and watched him nervously.

No! Shining thought. Cadence is counting on me informing her of this news. I can’t let her down. She deserves to know. And as her knight in shining armor… He paused himself, cheeks reddening, ...yeah, I should probably go tell her. But how? He thought for a second before he knew what to do. Sweat started to roll down his face and neck. What he was about to do was considered crazy. Hay, it could even be considered treason. But, Shining thought, I’ll do everything for my beautiful Cadence. He looked the unicorn in the eye before turning away again. He walked a few paces away before he suddenly charged his horn.

“PRINCESS CADENCE!” he shouted, performing the spell. Before the guards had time to react, Shining was gone in a flash of purple light.

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Shining eyed his surroundings. He was standing in a wide hall, decorated with gold patterns and ornaments on both the walls and the high ceiling. The floor was made of the whitest marble in all of Equestria. He watched it all in awe. It was beautiful. It was divine. It was… then that Shining realized he had just broken into Canterlot Castle. He quickly scanned the whole room. At least he was alone. Or that’s what he thought.

”HALT! In the name of Princess Celestia of Equestria, you are under arrest!” Shining turned to see at least a dozen of guards, pegasi and unicorns alike, charge him. The unicorns fired various immobilizing spells in all directions, effectively destroying the ornaments and the tapestries of the hall. Shining only had a moment to consider the situation before a stray spell struck the ground not three paces away from him, creating a crater and throwing him back. He quickly got to his hooves and ran away from the guards. Even though he was still young, he was in good shape, and could easily get some distance between him and the armored guards. He ran up a stairway before turning left, running into a corridor that lead deeper into the castle. He could hear the guards closing up behind him and decided to turn it up a notch. As he ran into another corridor, he suddenly saw another group of guards approaching head-on.

“THERE HE IS! DON’T LET HIM ESCAPE!” a pegasus guard with huge wings, his face contorted in anger, shouted. Shining yelped in surprise, and bolted left into another hallway. When he reached the end he turned left again… only to run directly into a huge figure, sending him flying back onto his back. Shining sat down on his haunches and shook his head, trying to stop the world from spinning. When he could see clear again, he looked up to see what he had run into, expecting a statue or some sort of pillar. What it actually was made him wish it had been a group of hungry manticores.

“Uh – oh,” he said. ‘Uh – oh’ proved to be none other than the regal Princess Celestia, looking down at him with a surprised expression on her face. Her expression soon melted to be replaced by a warm smile.

”May I help you?” she said, leaning down to his eye level. Shining quickly scrambled to his hooves before leaning down in a deep bow.

“P-P-P-Princess C-C-Celestia,” he said, his whole body trembling and shaking with fear. “I am ever so s-sorry, p-p-please forgive m-me.”

“THERE HE IS! PRINCESS, WATCH OUT! SOLDIERS, GET HIM!” The hugely winged pegasus guard was back, flying at Shining with a high speed as his soldiers followed directly behind him.

”Relax, Commander Eagle Wings, the situation is under control. The colt has done nothing wrong,” the Princess simply said, looking up at her guards. Eagle Wings stopped mid-flight, causing his soldiers to come to a crashing halt as they all landed in a heap.

“But, your Highness! He’s an intruder! He has broken into the castle and…” Eagle Wings started before being silenced by the Princess’ raised hoof..

“I am well aware of the situation as it could be surmised not only by my detection spells, but also by the shouting of royal guards that could be heard throughout the entire castle,” she said, glancing sternly at her soldiers. “I would have thought that a whole squadron of my guard would be able to detain a colt of his age.” The soldiers blushed and stared at the ground. “Nevertheless,” she said, looking back at Shining Armor, “I will handle this situation myself. You are dismissed, Commander.”

Eagle Wings looked as if he was about to protest, but soon turned around and beckoned for his soldiers to follow him. Shining watched them go before turning around fearfully, looking directly at the Princess.

“So, young colt, do you want to tell me your name?” the Princess asked, her smile reappearing.

”Sh-Shining Armor, your Highness,” Shining answered, still a bit shaky.

”Shining Armor? I have heard of you before. My niece really likes to talk about you.” Shining blushed. He hadn’t expected this. “Well, Shining Armor,” the Princess continued with a suddenly stern look. Shining shrank under her gaze. “What exactly were you thinking when you broke into my castle?” Shining gulped. “Well?” the Princess asked, never breaking eye contact.

“I-I am very s-sorry your H-Highness,” Shining stammered. “It’s just that I w-wanted to visit Cad…P-Princess Cadence to tell her the n-news.”

“What kind of news would that be?” Princess Celestia asked.

”Well, your Highness. My little sister was born today and I promised to tell Princess Cadence as soon as it happened,” Shining replied, gaining some courage.

The Princess eyed him with a neutral expression on her face. Finally, she turned around and began to walk away. Shining stood, unsure of what to do. The Princess stopped and turned around.

”Follow me,” she told him before walking again. Shining gulped before catching up. He nearly had to run to be able to keep up with her brisk pace. He feared what was about to come.

Will I be thrown into the dungeons for trespassing? Or will I be banished? Whatever it is, there is absolutely no chance of me joining the Royal Guard now. Shining hung his head low as he followed the Princess. Joining the guard had been his dream for as long as he could remember.. And thanks to my stupidity, that’s never gonna happen now. What the hay was I thinking??? Shining mentally scolded himself. He looked up to realize that they were approaching a pink-painted double door with two guards in front of it. The guards bowed as the Princess stepped in front of the door, before standing up and scrutinizing Shining suspiciously.

“Thank you, guards, please resume your watch at the end of the corridor. I would like for us to have some privacy,” the Princess said friendly. The guards looked at each other before bowing again and walking to the end of the corridor. Shining was confused. Were these the private chambers of the Princess? But what purpose would his presence serve? Was he about to be transformed into a bookshelf by the Princess? Before he had more time to think over, the Princess knocked on the door two times.

“Come iiiiiiiiiin,” a voice from the other side lilted. Celestia opened the door with her magic and beckoned Shining to follow her. Shining’s eyes widened.

Wait a second, are these maybe… he stepped into the room and gasped. It was a huge complex containing an enormous four post bed, a big shelf containing various books, a huge vanity, and a fireplace with a cozy rug in front of it. And laying on that rug, reading a book, was…

“Auntie Celestia? May I help you? Wait, who’s…SHINING! How nice of you to visit me!” Cadence jumped to her hooves before making a beeline for Shining, hugging him and pulling him to the ground.

“Whoa Cadence, we just saw each other earlier today, remember?” Shining asked while trying to get up. Cadence blushed.

“I know, but I would never have thought that you would visit me in the castle,” she said, her cheeks tingling red. Shining stared at the ground, a red hue rising to his white cheeks. Celestia observed the two with mirth.

“Rather ‘break in’ than ‘visit’,” she said, a mischievous smile on her face. Shining’s blush deepened yet again.

”What do you mean by that, Auntie Celestia?” Cadence asked, glancing back and forth between the two. Celestia began to chuckle.

“Well, it seems that Shining has some very exciting news he wants to share with you. So exciting that he teleported right into the castle when the guards wouldn’t let him pass,” Celestia answered as she suddenly appeared thoughtful. Cadence gasped. Did she understand her auntie correctly? Celestia turned towards Shining. “Come to think of it, I still have to decide your punishment.” Shining gulped.

”Please, auntie, don’t…” Cadence started before being silenced by Celestia raising a hoof. She righted herself before addressing him in a formal tone.

“Shining Armor, for trespassing into Canterlot Castle, as well as embarrassing a whole squadron of my Royal Guard -“

Shining’s head dropped.

“- Which is unheard of, especially for a colt who I will personally see to join the Guard -“

Shining looked at her incredulously before starting to smile.

“- I, Princess Celestia of Equestria, hereby sentence you to come to the castle twice a week to see my lovely niece Princess Cadence, as well as taking her out for a stroll today,” Celestia finished, smiling down at him.

“THE HORROR, THE HORROR! Please show some mercy to his poor soul,” Cadence squealed dramatically before breaking out in laughter.

“Please, your Highness, your verdict is cruel and unheard of! Have mercy on a simple colt like me,” Shining exclaimed, deciding to play along before starting to laugh himself.

“My verdict is final and will not be altered,” Celestia answered, maintaining her regal tone before allowing herself a little chuckle. “Now I have to go, my ponies need me.” Celestia noticed the confused glances Shining and Cadence were giving her. She sighed. “I have to attend to royal business,” she explained. Comprehension dawned on their faces. Celestia chuckled again before turning away and starting for the door. She stopped just before it, glancing over her shoulder. “Have fun, you two,” she told them, smiling. She opened the door and stepped out, Shining’s and Cadence’s thanks following her before she closed the door behind her.

^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^

“Shining, did you really teleport into the castle?” Cadence asked as soon as Celestia left. Shining blushed, unsure if he should boast about it and push out his chest, looking like a hero; or if he should be humble and rueful. He decided to keep things factual.

”Yes, I did,” he deadpanned. Cadence shook her head.

”Why would you do something so boneheaded?!” she yelled. Cadence was concerned. Was she the reason he failed to think rationally? “It could have cost you your dream of joining the guard. You could have gotten in trouble. Or hurt! OR KILLED! What in the world were you thinking?” Shining winced. She had never once before yelled at him. She looked really…scared? Was she that concerned about him? He decided to calm her nerves.

“I’m sorry, Cadence, but I have awesome news I wanted to share with you as soon as possible. And when the guards didn’t let me in, I just did the only thing I could’ve done to ensure that you were informed as fast as possible,” he explained. Cadence cocked her head.

“What would be so important that you would risk so much for me?” she asked, really curious now. Shining took a moment to take in the beauty of her poise. Her head softly cocked to the side with a mild frown on her face that peculiarly accentuated her features.

”Well,” he said, a smile creeping to his face, “Earlier today -” He stopped to raise the tension. “- I became the big brother of a beautiful little filly,” he concluded, smiling broadly at her. Cadence kept looking at him, confused, as if she hadn’t comprehended what he had said.

“That’s it?” she asked, her frown deepening. Shining was perplexed. He didn’t expect her to react like that. “So you risked everything just… to… wait,” she said, realization dawning on her face. “You mean, your mother,” she stuttered. Shining leaned in closer, trying to understand what was going on.

“AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAHHHHHHHHHH,” Cadence suddenly squealed, jumping around like a filly getting her presents on Heart’s Warming Eve. Shining jumped back surprised, her squeal still ringing in his ears. Before he could shake his head, Cadence charged into him, hugging him tight. “Oh Shining, that’s SO great! I love foals!” she exclaimed with delight.

“Cadence… can’t… breath!” Shining choked out. Cadence, realizing her bear hug, let go of him. Shining gasped for air before looking up, noticing that Cadence was standing face to face with him. He recoiled with a yelp. Cadence chuckled before storming at him again.

”Are they still in the hospital?” she asked, her voice trembling with barely contained excitement.

“Y-yes, but she’ll be discharged soon. Why?” Shining cautiously replied, unsure of what to make out of the situation. He suddenly felt himself lifted in a light blue magic aura.

”Then, WHAT ARE WE WAITING FOR?! Let’s go!” Cadence yelled delightfully while bolting out of her room, only to be followed by a struggling Shining in her magical grip.

^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^

”Where’s Mommy?” Velvet asked, hiding behind her hooves. She was sitting in the waiting room with little Twilight while Night Light filled out some forms so they could go home. At the moment, they were playing a game.

“There she is!” she exclaimed, pulling apart her hooves and smiling down at her daughter. Twilight let out a happy squeal and clapped her hooves together while giggling. “Where’s Mommy? There she is!” Velvet repeated, to which Twilight started laughing even harder. She mimicked her mother, hiding behind her little hooves, before pulling them apart.

“Apabaaah!” she exclaimed, looking at her mother. Velvet smiled before nudging her filly onto her back. She began to tickle her foal's soft belly, eliciting a bout of delighted squeaks as little Twilight tried to roll away, and protect her soft, ticklish underside.

“Tickle, tickle, tickle,” Velvet exclaimed while laughing. Twilight was laughing furiously now, having given up trying to roll away, as Velvet held her with her hooves while rubbing her nose all over her little belly. Velvet stopped her tickling and picked up Twilight, hugging her close to her chest. Twilight gave a contented sigh as she snuggled into her mother’s fur. Velvet looked down at her as Twilight’s big, purple eyes looked straight into her own.

Mommy loves you so much, my little pony, Velvet thought, I know you are going to be one of the most beautiful and talented mares that ever lived. I’m going to give you everything to make your life as perfect as you make mine. Twilight, as if hearing her mother’s thoughts, smiled up at her, her eyes shining as if saying I love you, mommy. At the moment, Velvet was pleased with just sitting there, looking into her daughter’s eyes. She suddenly noticed some movement in the corner of her eye. She glanced up to see that Night Light apparently had finished the paperwork and was now standing in the doorway, smiling at both of them.

”How long have you been standing there?” she asked,

“About five minutes,” he replied, entering the room. “You both were just such a beautiful sight that I didn’t want to ruin the moment.” He walked up to his wife and child, and dropped to his front knees, gaining an eye level with Twilight. “Hello, little Twilight. Have you missed your daddy?” Twilight replied by sticking her tongue out before burying her face in her mother’s chest again. “Well, I guess that means ‘no’,” he said, his smile not faltering.

“Have you finished all the paperwork?” Velvet queried, drawing his attention back to her. He looked up before nodding.

“Yes, as well as giving them the information about our insurance,” he deadpanned. Velvet blushed.

”That bad, huh?”

“No, it’s nothing compared to what happened when you were giving birth to Shining,” he replied, smirking. “I think that might be the reason the doctors didn’t object when you told them you were going to leave.”

Velvet shuddered, remembering the minutes prior to the birth of their son.

^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^
‘Okay, Velvet, I need you to press again,’ the doctor, a young stallion with big, round glasses told her. Velvet was giving birth for the first time and she knew that the minutes prior to the birth would be forever memorized under ‘things I can reproach Night Light for’ as another pang rocked her body. She screamed in pain before collapsing on the bed again, exhausted.

‘Where’s Night Light? Where’s my husband?” she asked, trying to regain her breath.

“I’m here Velvet,’ Night Light replied, just now entering the room. ‘Don’t worry, it will all be ri…’ That was as far as he got when, suddenly the equipment in the room was picked up with magic, and forcefully launched at him.

^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^

“Well, I could have most definitely handled this better,” she said, blushing furiously. Night Light chuckled while nuzzling his little daughter.

”Shall we go now?” he asked, kissing both Velvet and Twilight’s head. Velvet nodded and got up. She gently bit Twilight on her neck, before picking her up and placing her onto her back. Twilight squeaked in joy and clapped her hooves together at the prospect of riding on her mother’s back. Velvet grinned before walking after Night Light, leaving the hospital and stepping out into a warm evening in Canterlot.

^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^

“Bababaaah!” Twilight stated as the family passed various shops and restaurants. As it was still an early evening, the streets were still filled with all kinds of ponies; from the noble elite, their muzzles stuck high into the air, as well as the salesponies trying to get the crowd’s attention. They were just passing an apple vendor when a dog suddenly sprang forth from the stand, barking and trying to jump up at Velvet to reach Twilight. Twilight, frightened by a creature she had never seen, promptly began to howl. Velvet jumped in mild shock while Night Light stepped between her and the dog, blocking its path.

“Bad dog, get away from her!” he said, charging his horn. Before anyone could do something, a red colt stepped out from behind the stand. He seemed to be Shining’s age, only being a little taller and more lanky.

”Please, Sir, don’ go an’ hurt ma dog,” he pleaded in a heavy southern accent. “He didn’t do it on purpose. He’s jus’so fon’ of fillies. Please, he wouldn’t go an’ hurt a pony ever, honest. He’s the nicest dog ever!”

Night Light relaxed, dropping his spell, while Velvet tried to soothe a bawling Twilight.

”There, there, my little pony, it’s just a dog. He won’t hurt you, mommy promises,” she said, pulling her daughter down from her back and into a hug. Twilight began to calm down, going from bawling, to simply sniffling. “There, that’s better. Now, would you like to see the dog again? It’s safe, mommy promises. And, the colt said that he’s a nice dog. Right?” she asked, eyeing the red colt.

“Yes mam! Jackaroo here’s the nices’ of all dogs,” he stated, nodding his head. “He’s just a little too curious and energetic. He’s a puppy afterall.” Velvet carefully approached the dog standing next to the colt, her daughter hugged close to her. Three steps away, she sat on the ground and beckoned the dog to come closer. When he reached her, she carefully extended a hoof at it. The dog vigorously wiggled his tail and sniffed at the offered hoof before starting to lick it. Velvet smiled and began to pet it.

“See Twilight? It doesn’t want to hurt you,” she said, looking at her daughter. Twilight, still sniffling a bit, watched her mother pet the animal before carefully extending a tiny hoof herself. The dog responded by pulling away from Velvet’s hoof and sniffing at Twilight’s. Twilight shrieked before pulling away. The dog tilted his head curiously before sitting down, eyes locked on her. Twilight, with a bit more of her mothers encouragement, slowly extended her leg again, cautiously eyeing the dog. The dog carefully approached her hoof and took one sniff before stepping back, allowing her to get accustomed to the situation. Twilight pulled back her leg and looked at it curiously, before smiling and extending it out again. The dog stepped forth and gave it an experimental lick before stepping back. Twilight giggled at the strange feeling before pulling back to look at her, now slightly, wet hoof. Still giggling, she extended her hoof a fourth time. This time, the dog crouched low and under her hoof, before standing up again, allowing Twilight's hoof to graze his fur. Twilight squealed in joy before starting to move her hoof back and forth across the dog’s head. He responded by stepping forth, delightfully licking Twilight's face. Velvet watched as her little filly grasped the dog with her hooves, hugging it and nuzzling his head. She smiled.

Oh, my little filly, there just isn’t anything that doesn’t make you squeal in joy, is there? she thought. You just grasp the world in your hooves like you’re saying, ‘Hello world, I want to hug you.’

”Lil’ Mac, what’s taking y’all so long?” a voice behind the colt yelled. The dog and colt turned to the source of the voice before the dog let out a single bark and began to run towards the pony approaching the colt and the family.

“There, there, Jackaroo, ‘s all good, now go an’ take a watch on the apple cart fer me,” the pony, an elderly green earth pony mare, said as she stepped next to the colt.

”Sorry Granny, there was jus’ some trouble with Jackaroo an’ this here family,” the colt replied, looking at her.

“Trouble? What kinda’ trouble? Did’cha lose control on him again?” the mare asked with a stern look. The colt’s head sunk in shame.

“Please madam, he hasn’t done anything wrong. Your dog just surprised my little filly a bit,” Velvet replied while standing up, placing her daughter back on her back. Twilight hugged her mother and nuzzled into her neck. The old mare watched them before breaking into a smile.

”Wouldcha look at that! Seems we’re not the only ones that’s got us a new foal. My son jus’ became a father to a lil’ filly himself. The name’s ‘Mamma Smith’ by the way, or, as Lil Mac here now calls me ‘Granny Smith’. And this here is mah gran’son Macintosh Apple,” she said.

“It’s a pleasure to meet you, madam. My name is Velvet and this is my husband, Night Light,” Velvet said, introducing themselves. Night Light made a little bow. “And this,” she said, turning and rubbing her head on her daughter’s, “Is little Twilight Sparkle.”

“A pleasure makin’ your acquaintance. Well, we better pack up nao or we’ll never get back tah Ponyville. Have yourselfs a nice evening,” Granny Smith said before turning back and walking back to her cart with her grandson.

”Goodbye, a nice evening to you too,” Velvet called after her before turning towards her husband. “Now, let’s go and get Twilight cleaned of dog drool,” she laughed, starting to walk towards their home, Night Light following close behind.

^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^

The receptionist in Canterlot Hospital had seen all kinds of things since she started working. Ponies - and many other creatures alike - with many strange injuries. She sometimes thought about the unicorn who ended up sharing his body with his cohort, after a laboratory accident. There also were foaling mothers, destroying whole rooms in their labor, especially the white mare called Velvet, who was notorious for the hospital’s staff.

An alicorn, moreover the niece of Princess Celestia herself, barging into the entrance area, holding up an unicorn colt with her magic was something even she hadn’t seen in all her life. She watched as Princess Cadence slipped on the floor and flared her wings to their full span as to not fall over, knocking off a potted plant. The aforementioned colt seemed to struggle to escape the magic cloud he was levitating in.

“M-may I help you, your h-highness?” the receptionist asked as Cadence came to a sliding halt in front of her desk. Cadence cleared her throat, slightly embarrassed.

”Yes, I would like to know where to find the Sparkle family, please,” she said, looking at the receptionist as she clearly ignored the struggling Shining. “I was told that Velvet Sparkle foaled today.”

“Yes, your highness is correct, but we already disbanded her, seeing as there were no complications, and she wanted to go home.”

“I see. Well, thank you for your information. Please continue with your duties.”

“Of course, your highness,” the mare said, bowing. “Have a nice evening.”

“Thank you very much. Come on, Shining, let’s go.” And with that she walked out of the hospital. The receptionist looked after her before shaking her head in disbelief and returning to her magazine.

^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^

Meanwhile, the little family had arrived at their home, and Velvet was now bathing her little filly. She watched as Twilight pushed a bath duck around, babbling to herself. She gently washed her filly’s mane with some foam hair wash, and rinsed her before biting her softly in her neck and pulling her out of the tub. She placed her on a towel and began to dry her softly. Twilight looked up at her with shining eyes, the bath duck still in her muzzle. She bit down on the duck, making it jar. Velvet shook her head before taking the duck away from Twilight.

“No, my little filly, we don’t eat this. It’s not healthy for you,” she said. She took a play suit and dressed her daughter in it before placing her on her back again. As she walked out of the bathroom, she heard a knock on the front door.

“Night Light, dear, could you get that please?” she called down the stairs.

”Already on it, hon,” he replied as he opened the door. Immediately, he was greeted by the sight of an alicorn standing on his threshold, holding his son in a magic field.

“Good evening, Sir. My name is Princess Cadence. I…”

“CADENCE, LET ME DOWN ALREADY!” Shining interrupted her, still struggling against the more powerful magic of the princess. Cadence, realizing that she was still holding him, released her magic, causing him to fall flat on his stomach with a thump.

”Oops, sorry Shining,” she apologized, her cheeks getting red. Night Light facehoofed at his son’s behavior in front of royalty before dropping to his knees.

“Your highness, it is a pleasure to welcome you to our humble home. How may we be of service?” he asked, still bowed.

“Please, there is no need for that. Please rise. Act as if I’m a common visitor,” Cadence told him.

“Of course your highness,” Night Light responded while getting up. “How can I help you?”

”Well, Shining told me that his sister was born this afternoon and…” she said, trying, and failing, to contain herself “…I JUST LOVE NEWBORN FOALS! THIS IS SO AWESOME! MAY I SEE HER???” she yelled, delighted. Night Light shook his head to clear his ears of the ringing.

“Oh, I see,” Cadence said, misunderstanding his behavior. “Well, that’s okay, see you tomorrow, Shining.” And with that she began to walk away, her head hung low.

“Your highness, wait, of course you can see her,” Night Light told her, stepping out of the house. Cadence turned around, hope on her face. “It was just,… you see, when you yelled… and,” was as far as he got before he was glomped.

“THANKYOUTHANKYOUTHANKYOU,” Cadence exclaimed. “This is SO GREAT.”

“Erm, yes,” Night Light replied, worming his way out of her embrace. “Just follow me.”

^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^

Velvet heard the commotion going on outside and decided it was best to just settle on the living room rug with her filly nuzzled up to her, and a book lying in front of her. She had just laid down when Night Light entered the room, followed by a giddy Princess Cadence and a grumpy-looking Shining Armor. She got up and bowed while hugging her daughter close to her.

”Your highness, it’s a high pleasure to be granted a visit from you in our humble home,” she said. “How may we help you?”

“Please, there is no need for formalities. Just call me Cadence,” Cadence replied while walking up to Velvet. “I just wanted to see Shining’s sister.” She bowed until she was at eye level with Twilight. “Hello little filly, how are you?” she said, smiling. Twilight looked at the strange mare in front of her before extending a hoof and softly poking her muzzle. Cadence giggled, making a hooting sound when Twilight touched her. Twilight laughed before repeating the action. As Cadence hooted again, Twilight clapped her hooves together in joy.

“She’s so cute. What’s her name?” Cadence asked before hooting again as Twilight continued to poke her muzzle.

“Twilight,” Velvet simply replied. Cadence nodded and watched as the little filly yawned before closing her eyes, and nuzzling into her mother’s coat.

“Looks like little Twilight has had enough wonders for today,” Velvet remarked. “I’m really sorry, your highness, but I think it’s time for her to get some sleep.”

“No problem at all, madam. Auntie Celestia is probably awaiting me at dinner,” Cadence replied. “And please, just call me Cadence. Shining, would you like to accompany me back to the castle?” she asked, turning to face the colt.

“Only if I can walk this time,” he replied before his father jabbed him into his ribs.

“Please, feel free to visit us any time, Cadence,” Night Light told her while walking the two to the door.

“Would you like to come to dinner tomorrow, Cadence? We would like to get to know our son’s friend after all,” Velvet called after them.

”I would love to, Mr. And Mrs. Sparkle.” Cadence replied.

“Great. We’re having dinner at 7 p.m.,” Velvet told her.

“I’ll be there, Mrs. Sparkle. Have a nice evening.”

“Thank you. Have a nice evening yourself. Goodbye,” Velvet and Night Light said.

“Goodbye, see you tomorrow,” Cadence replied, stepping out into the evening with Shining following behind.

^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^

“You have such a cute sister, Shining,” Cadence said as they walked towards the gates of Canterlot Castle.

“Thanks, Cadence, I think she’s the cutest thing I’ve ever seen,” he replied.

“Oh really?” Cadence asked while giving him a smug look. Shining blushed.

“What I mean… I…” he stammered before Cadence started to laugh.

”Oh, lighten up, Shining, I’m just joking,” she laughed.

“Oh, haha, very funny,” he replied grumpily.

Cadence continued to laugh as they approached the castle gates. Shining noticed that the guards hadn’t changed and that the guards at the front gates were eyeing him angrily. The fact that he was approaching them with a princess didn’t lighten their mood.

“Well, uhm, Cadence, I don’t think the guards would let me in again today, so, uhm, I had a good time,” he stammered.

Celestia, he’s so cute when he stammers like that, Cadence thought. “All right, I’ll see you tomorrow, have a nice evening, my strong knight,” she said, kissing him on the cheek. She giggled when he reached up to his cheek with a hoof, stammering, and went up to the castle with the guards opening the gates for her. As soon as she was out of sight and earshot, she squealed before galloping to the dining hall.

”AUNTIE CELESTIA, AUNTIE CELESTIA!” she yelled, running on giddy hooves. She barged into the dining hall where her aunt was sitting, sipping on some tea while waiting for her to arrive. She looked up to see her niece practically bouncing at her.

“My, my, Cadence, I take it you enjoyed your time with the Sparkle family?” she asked with mild amusement.

“Yesyesyesyesyes!” Cadence chanted while bouncing around. “They are SO nice and their filly is SOOOOO CUTE!” She stopped as she remembered something. “They have invited me to dinner tomorrow, am I allowed to go?” she asked, a bit nervous. Celestia contemplated this before smiling.

“Why, of course you are. And it would be my pleasure to take you there to see if this filly is as cute as you tell me,” she answered. Cadence practically exploded in joy before storming forth and hugging her aunt.

”Thankyouthankyouthankyou!” she exclaimed. Celestia chuckled.

”You seem very enthusiastic, dear niece. Is there maybe something more than the filly? Perhaps this something has the form of a white unicorn colt?” she asked, a mischievous smile on her face. Cadence blushed.

“That has NOTHING to do with it! Shining and I are only friends,” she responded, her cheeks tinged a deep shade of red.

“Well then,” Celestia replied, not missing Cadence’s reaction, ”Please take a seat, dinner will be served momentarily.” Cadence sat down, her cheeks still burning, as dinner was rolled in by a couple of servants. While they ate, Celestia observed Cadence’s behavior.

Seems like the Princess of Love has found love for herself, she mused. Little Cadence is coming of age.

^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^

Meanwhile, a stupidly grinning Shining was bouncing into his home. The day had been the best he ever had.

“Well, look at that, Night Light, seems like a certain colt has played the hugging and kissing game with a certain princess,” Velvet noted, watching her son as he bounced against a doorframe in his giddiness. Shining blushed.

”We… I… we didn’t do anything like that, mom,” he said in a tone quite a few octaves higher than usual.

”Well, lover boy, how about you get down from cloud nine, and do your homework?” Night Light asked, stepping into the room.

“WE DIDN’T… I DIDN’T… WE… yes sir,” Shining replied, his cheeks sporting a fiery red.

Night Light and Velvet watched their son walk up the stairs before bursting into raucous laughter.

“See how crazy your brother is, Twily?” Velvet asked. “Just a little kiss and he’s out of his mind.”

Twilight opened her eyes and looked up at her before giggling as Velvet placed a kiss on top of her head.

^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^

A few hours later, Velvet was lying on her favorite rug, reading a book on magic, her daughter nestled at her side. Night Light and Shining had long since gone to bed, and Twilight had been sleeping for some time now. Velvet finally had the time to enjoy a little peace and quiet.

As she flipped to another page, she suddenly became aware of a gentle prodding at her side. Looking down, she saw that Twilight had woken up and was now prodding her side with her nose, squirming uneasily.

”What is wrong, Twily?” Velvet asked, worried. Twilight didn’t look at her, but resumed her prodding, steadily turning to whining.

“My little filly, what is going on? Were you having a bad dream? Are you scared?” Eventually, she understood. “Are you hungry?” she asked. From the way Twilight prodded, Velvet understood that she wanted to get to her belly. She rolled onto her side and pushed Twilight close to her. Twilight nuzzled up to her before beginning to suckle gently. Velvet smiled down at her daughter.

You are the most beautiful and most precious thing to mommy, little filly. Mommy will always be there for you. She loves you so much, my little pony.

When Twilight finished suckling, Velvet gently pulled her up and hugged her to her chest, softly tapping on her back. When she burped, Velvet lay back down, gently holding her filly in her forelegs, close to her chest. Twilight nuzzled deeper into her mothers coat before falling asleep again. Velvet smiled, blissfully enjoying the moment.

“Sleep well, my little filly.”

Royal Visit

When Velvet awoke, she was immediately greeted by the sight of a cold hearth and her favorite rug in the living room.

I must have fallen asleep while reading, she mused, looking around. Upon looking at her forelegs, a wide smile spread across her lips. There, lying in her embrace, purple eyes beaming up at her, was her little filly. When she met her gaze, Twilight squealed and nuzzled into her mother’s neck as if welcoming her.

“Good morning, my little princess. Did you sleep well?” Velvet asked, gently licking her daughter’s head, grooming her. Twilight started to giggle lightly at the tickling sensation.
Velvet finished her grooming, picked up Twilight and started walking into the kitchen. Upon entering she saw that Night Light and Shining Armor were already up and preparing breakfast.

“Good morning, honey. You slept well?” Night Light asked as he saw her entrance..

“Fuhre. How awout u tu?” she replied through a mouthful of Twilight. Night Light chuckled.

“You might wanna set down little Twilight before talking,” he told her while Shining burst out into laughter. Velvet shot her son an annoyed look before setting Twilight down in a high chair.

“I had a good night’s rest, thank you. How about you, young colt?” she asked, looking at her son again. “Let me guess: Your dreams centered on a certain alicorn princess?”
Shining felt an uncomfortable heat creeping into his cheeks. He avoided his mother’s gaze and his father’s barely hidden mirth and concentrated on counting the chips in the kitchen’s woodchip wallpaper. Night Light and Velvet looked at each other before bursting into laughter.

“Oh Night Light, he SO resembles you when you told your family we were dating,” Velvet choked out through a laughing fit. Night Light shot her an unamused look.

^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^

“Mom, Dad, Brother, Grandpa, I’d like you to meet my marefriend,” a younger version of Night Light said, standing in his parents’ huge parlor. Mr. and Mrs. Sparkle smiled as their son stepped out to get his filly.

“Well this should be interesting,” Night Light’s brother said.

“I should say so,” his father replied.

“I’m so eager to see what nice girl our boy has found,” Night Light’s mother said as he stepped into the room.

“Mom, Dad, Brother, Grandpa: This is my marefriend, Twilight Velvet,” Night Light stated proudly.

“Hi there, nice to meet you,” the mare next to Night Light said. Night Light’s mother fainted.

“MOM!” Night Light screamed as he rushed to her side.

“Well, that certainly was interesting,” his father said while chuckling.

^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^

“Well, I want to see your reaction when facing an older brother who was captain of the royal guard AND a grandfather who was a general,” he replied grumpily.

“But! It all went well in the end, now didn’t it?”

^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^

“Night Light! How could you do this to your own mother? I think it’s high time to send you to military school,” his grandfather bellowed as Night Light helped his mother get up. “As for you,” he yelled, turning to Night Light’s father, “how dare you laugh about this? I surely raised you to be better than this.”

“Yeah, Night Light. What’s wrong with you?” his brother asked, stepping next to his grandfather.

“Well, I’m… I… I… ” Night Light stammered.

“Night Light Sparkle! You will not date this mare anymore! She is a bad influence! We will find a nice, upper class filly for you,” his mother decided.

“But… I… ”

“Night Light?” a voice behind him asked. He turned to see Velvet, his Velvet, with tears in her eyes.

“Now tell this mare to LEAVE OUR HOUSE!” his mother yelled.

“NO! I bucking LOVE her! Nothing YOU are gonna say will EVER change this,” Night Light barked. His family looked at him, utterly shocked.

“Come on, Velvet, let’s go,” he said, turning around to his marefriend again.

“Wait,” his mother yelled.

“What?” he snapped at her. She approached him before gently nudging him aside, stepping up to Velvet.

“So, Twilight Velvet was your name? It is nice to meet you,” she said.

“Indeed. Come, have a seat,” his grandfather called. Night Light watched as his marefriend was surrounded by his family and they began to chatter.

‘What just happened?’ Night Light asked himself.

“Night Light, don’t just stand there, have you even offered our guest a drink?” his mother asked. He ogled her aghast

‘What is this, I don’t even…’

“Night Light,” Velvet said, looking at him with her beautiful smile, “Come, sit down with us.”

His surprised expression changed into a smile as he joined them on the couch, his hoof entwining with Velvet’s.

^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^

“It could have gone better if you hadn’t worn your earrings. And piercings. AND MOHAWK!”

“But YOU liked it, didn’t you?” Night Light blushed as he remembered how beautiful his wife had been that day.

“Yeah, but… and… my mother… ” he stammered. Velvet approached him and nuzzled up to his side.

“Slacken thee, mine hero, thou didth doth well in thine speech to thine kin,” she said in the old language before chuckling. Night Light eyed her with confused eyes before chuckling with her. He went to the high chair where Twilight was watching her family curiously, her head cocked to the side. He stepped up to her and softly nuzzled her cheek. Twilight looked up at him and smiled softly. He bent down and softly kissed her between her eyes. Twilight giggled and bounced up and down in her high chair.

“How are you, my little filly?” he asked while nuzzling her head. Twilight continued to bounce, happily babbling to herself. Night Light looked over to his wife, and Velvet could see a soft glint in his eyes before he turned back and started to tickle little Twilight softly, eliciting delighted squeals from the foal.

Oh my, look at you. You are such a softie, she mused while watching as a squealing Twilight tried to wiggle away from her father’s merciless bout of tickling. She went over and ‘rescued’ her filly from her father.

“All right, that’s enough for now, we have a lot to do today,” she said, lifting Twilight and holding her to her belly. “It’s breakfast time, my filly.”

“Alright, I don’t wanna see that,” Shining said as he left the kitchen for the bathroom.
Velvet shook her head at her son’s behavior before turning her attention to her suckling daughter. Night Light watched them with a goofy smile on his face. Velvet looked up to her husband staring at them.

“What’s wrong, you softie-goofball?” she asked, smiling up at him. He shook his head and leaned down to kiss his wife on the head. Velvet giggled. “What was that for?” she asked him?

“For being so beautiful and endowing me with such a beautiful filly,” he replied, kissing his daughter’s head very lightly as to not interrupt her in her suckling. Velvet softly stroked his back.

“Thank you,” she said, pulling him in for a kiss.

“Gah! Why do I have to walk in on this?!” Shining asked, shielding his eyes. Night Light and Velvet broke apart and looked at their son. Shining blushed and left the kitchen, mumbling a quick “in my room”. Velvet shook her head and started to softly tap on her daughter’s back who had just finished eating. Night Light turned away from the open doorway and looked Velvet in the eye again. She blushed and closed the gap, ready for another kiss. They were just inches apart when a very loud burp came from Twilight, startling them both.

“Whoa, Twilight, on a scale of one to ten, that was a clear twenty,” Shining called, stepping back into the kitchen. Night Light and Velvet looked at each other startled before the whole family burst out laughing.

^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^

“So, what will we be doing today?” Night Light asked as the family had breakfast.

“Well, since we are awaiting a princess for dinner, I need to go and buy the best groceries in Canterlot,” Velvet replied. Night Light nodded before sipping on his coffee.

“Do you need any help with that?” he asked, unfolding his newspaper.

“No, thank you, but there are other things you can do to help,” she replied. “I have prepared checklists for lists of what you both have to do. And make sure to triple check them. Good thing I’m so organized, “she lilted as she got up and gave two scrolls to both Shining and Night Light. Upon receiving it, Shining began to unroll it, only to be greeted with an ever expanding scroll.

“But mom, that list must be at least 10 hooves* long,” he whined.

“15.37 hooves to be exact. Make sure to sync the list and the triple-check-checklist to check everything off. Any questions?” she asked, looking at them expectantly.

“No ma’am,” they both replied, sullenly looking at each other. Twilight clapped her hooves together, giggling at their lament as her mother took her and placed her on her back.

*(1 hoof = 0.5 feet)
^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^

“Well, Twilight, it seems that your daddy and brother will be busy for this day. Which means we have all the time in the world for shopping for clothes and bonding,” Velvet said, setting Twilight down on a changing table. Twilight proceeded to lightly roll around on her haunches. Velvet smiled before softly nudging Twilight with her nose, causing her to roll on her back. “You sure are a little bundle of joy, aren’t you, my little filly?” she asked while changing her daughter’s diaper. Twilight just looked her mother in the eyes before a smile spread on her little muzzle. Velvet smiled at her daughter while cleaning and donning her in a new diaper. She ended with blowing a raspberry on her little belly, receiving a giggling squeal from the foal. Velvet took her daughter and placed her on her back again before pulling three scrolls and a quill out of nowhere and unrolling one of them.

“Well, let’s see. Feeding Twilight: check. Changing Twilight’s diaper: check. Loading a hoof-ful of work unto Shining and Night Light: check.” After checking everything off on her list, she proceeded to unroll the other two lists. “Well, check of checklist of what to do: check. Check of checklist of checklist of what to do: double-check. See, my little filly: preparation and organization is everything.” She smiled back to her daughter, only to notice that Twilight’s head was cocked to the side.

“Meh, don’t worry, you will understand once you’re older,” Velvet said as she and Twilight walked out of the door.

^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^

Meanwhile, in Canterlot Castle, the royal Princess Celestia of Equestria was sitting in her throne room, holding court and listening to some grumpy old noble who was complaining about a family with two foals who had moved next to his estate.

“It’s unbearable, your highness. All this… this laughter and… and… and fun and happiness! I demand them being thrown into the dungeons! I am sure her highness will approve of my petition,” he finished with a haughty smile towards the other nobles.

Oh empty sky, why can’t I just send YOU to the dungeons? Or maybe Griffhala? Or just a volcano? That would solve the problems of EVERYPONY. Celestia forced herself to keep her regal composure although she just wanted to end her time of misery, alias royal court. “My dear subject, are you really asking me to send a family to the dungeons just because they are enjoying their lives? Surely you are joking. I will NOT approve of this petition. As for the noise annoyance, I will personally see to it.” Maybe I should endow them with a bullhorn and their own group of howler monkeys? That’s sure to ‘solve’ the problem. Celestia giggled to herself as she dismissed the court for the day. And now for a nice, relaxing lunch and maybe some cake? Oh, I can almost ta-

“AUNTY CELESTIA, AUNTY CELESTIA!” a voice boomed, ripping her out of her daydreaming about cake and pushing her back into the here and now.

“Was that a manticore screaming my name?” she asked confused. The ‘manticore’ soon proved to be her niece Cadence who stormed into her courtroom. I should never have taught her the Royal Canterlot Voice, Celestia thought before noticing the forlorn expression on her niece’s face. The nobles still around gathered haughtily as they scrunched their noses at the young princess’s behavior, something which further infuriated Celestia.

“I think I said that the court is dismissed for today,” she said, angrily glaring at the few nobles left. At the sight of an almost fuming Celestia, their haughty attitude dropped as they hastened to leave the royal throne room.

“Oh Aunty, I am SO sorry for interrupting, I didn’t know you were still holding court,” Cadence said desperately as the last noble had left. Celestia gave her a comforting smile as she stepped off her throne.

“My dear niece, you don’t have to apologize as you haven’t done anything wrong. What is wrong?” she asked, walking up to her niece.

“Oh Aunty, I’m just so nervous. What if I misbehave? What would the ponies think about it? ‘Oh my, look at that unclad little brat! Typical for the royal family: all show and no substance.’ Oh Aunty, I couldn’t live with myself if I brought shame over you!” Cadence whined, tears starting to build in her eyes.

“Now, now,” Celestia soothed, unfolding a wing. Cadence stepped up to Celestia and closed her eyes as she nuzzled her face into her aunt’s side, feeling the wing closing and encompassing her. Celestia bent down her head, nuzzling her cheek against her niece’s. Cadence sighed as she felt the warmth flow through her, relaxing at the caring gesture of her aunt. “Do you feel better now?” Celestia asked as Cadence opened her eyes. She nodded before nuzzling into Celestia’s withers. “Good,” Celestia said, “Now listen to me.” Cadence looked her aunt in the eyes. Celestia gave her a little smile before continuing. “You are a wonderful pony and the best niece I could ever ask for. I know you will behave perfectly and the Sparkles are sure to love you,” she said, kissing Cadence between her eyes. The young princess perked up.

“Really?” she asked exited. Celestia smiled.

“Would I ever lie to you?”

“No!” Cadence exclaimed happily.

“Now that’s the filly that fills my heart with sunshine,” Celestia said, smiling. “Is there anything else I could help you with?”

“No, “Cadence simply replied. “Thank you so much for helping me, Aunty.”

“You’re very welcome, dear,” Celestia said. Cadence smiled as she walked out of the room. Celestia watched her go as her belly grumbled very loud, startling the present guards. Her white cheeks turned beet red. I guess it’s lunch time, she mused ashamedly as she hurried out of the room

“Whoa,” one of the guards said.

^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^

In the meantime, Velvet and her daughter had reached Canterlot Market. The district was bustling with all kinds of ponies, griffons and even one or two buffalos either trying to make the big money or buying all kinds of things.

“So, Twilight, since we will be catering a princess, and Princess Celestia’s niece as well, it’s important that we only buy the best groceries we can get.” Velvet told her daughter as they walked through the many aisles of the market as she thought about what to serve a princess. She watched a stall where an earth pony blacksmith and a unicorn fishmonger where in a heated argument about something. She caught scraps like “tell me it’s not fresh”, “rotten” and “stinking” before the fishmonger slapped a fish into the blacksmith’s face, establishing a scuffle between them and the merchants around. She shook her head as she continued walking. No matter how noble and snooty Canterlot can be, the merchants are no different to the ones in Ponyville or Appleloosa. She walked around, occasionally looking into stalls, still unsure of what to cook. “Oh, my little filly, I’m SO clueless! What should I make for dinner?”
Twilight, as if noticing her mother’s despair, squirmed and pointed to the ground. Velvet shook her head.

“No, Twily, we cannot eat dirt. But mommy appreciates your help.” Twilight jabbed her hoof to the ground again. Velvet followed her daughter’s hoof and noticed it pointing to a little fungus growing on the ground. “A fungus? But what –“ suddenly she understood. “Portobello! Perfect! Oh, you are so smart, my little filly,” she said, nuzzling her daughter with her cheek. Twilight sighed softly and snuggled into her mother’s neck. Velvet took a moment to revel in the contact. After a few seconds, she pulled back, smiling at her daughter. She began walking again, scanning the stalls for the delicacy. Through all the bustling, she could make out an old buffalo selling the mushroom. She slowly walked towards him, careful not to tread on somepony’s hoof.

“Hello, Sir. I want to make some Portobello steaks for dinner and you seem to be one of the few selling them,” she said, once she had reached the merchant. The buffalo looked up from a newspaper.

“Yes, and this is a rare specimen as well, only growing on the buffalo paths north of Appleloosa,” he replied in a deep voice. Upon noticing Twilight, he smiled gently. “You have a very beautiful filly, madame. May I ask her name?”

“Of course. Her name is Twilight,” Velvet replied, smiling back at her daughter.

“Hello there, little Twilight,” he said. Twilight just looked at him with wide eyes, clutching onto her mothers neck. The buffalo chuckled. Twilight watched him before she gave a soft smile. “She is very cute and astute,” he told Velvet.

“That she is,” Velvet replied. “Now for the Portobello.”

“Of course, madam. As I’ve told you, this specimen is very rare and special. I would like you to taste a piece and tell me your opinion,” the buffalo said, immediately becoming mercantile. He took one of the mushrooms and cut a little piece out of the cap before holding it out for her. She took it and tasted. Immediately she was entranced by the mushroom’s beguiling taste. Each chew renewed the fruity, but spicy flavor and she regretted that she had to swallow it.

“Sir, that has to be the best Portobello I ever had. That mushroom will be the perfect dinner for Princess Cadence,” she exclaimed. The buffalo’s brows rose.

“The Princess? You are awaiting the Princess for dinner? Astounding,” he replied.

“How much is that?” Velvet asked. The buffalo pondered for a moment.

“Normally, it would be 30 bits per mushroom, but since it’s a princess, you can have one for 25 bits,” he replied. Velvet’s mouth dropped.

“25 bits PER MUSHROOM? I’ll give you ten bits,” she told the buffalo. He started to pant with rage.

“TEN BITS? Lady, these are high quality products from the buffalo paths, the only territory not sullied by ponies! These criminals already took a great reservation for their settlers from us! 24 bits!”

“Sullied? CRIMINALS?! The ponies in Appleloosa wanted to make friends with the buffalos, only to be turned down and be terrorized. 12 bits!”

“TERRORIZED?! How dare you? These were the lands of the elders and those ponies took everything without our permission! 23 bits!”

“23 bits? I think I should buy them somewhere else. Maybe an Appleloosan merchant will give me a little discount once I told him I refused trading with a grumpy old buffalo. 13 bits,” Velvet said with a smirk. The buffalo looked as if he was ready to explode.

“Grumpy?! OLD?! How dare you, spinster?! Go to your pony folk and rob more of our lands. Doesn’t matter to me! But don’t come home crying if we kick your flanks. 22 bits,” he replied with an arrogant smile.

“SPINSTER?! Who do you think you are? How about I come over and give you a piece of my mind? 14 bits.”

“I dare you, you hag! 20 bits and that’s final!”

“HAG?! If I didn’t have my filly with me, you would be in for some serious flank kicking! 15 bits and I’ll buy six of them!”

“Deal! And now go away,” the buffalo said as he packed the fungi. They looked at each other before breaking into a roaring laughter. “Oh my, lady, you sure are a tough business haggler. Have a nice day,” the buffalo told her as he could control his breathing again.

“Thank you, Sir, and have a nice day, too,” Velvet replied while wiping one eye with her hoof. She took her bag in her magic and turned around, only to notice that all stalls and the crowd around them had gone still and everypony was staring at them.

“Oops,” Velvet said, giggling embarrassed. “Come, my little filly, let’s go. We have a lot to do.” And with that, she walked into the crowd which dismissed the matter, returning to its bustling rush.

^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^

Meanwhile, Shining had arrived at the first destination for his to-do-list. It was a two-storied building on a main street leading up to the castle. Shining checked his list and his mouth began to water.

“A donut shop? Awesome! And I have to taste-test everything! Let’s see what I have to buy,” he said, pulling out his list again. “Hmm. Whoa! 30 donuts, three pies and two two-layer-cakes? This is going to be the best day ever,” he exclaimed, jabbing his front hoof into the air before practically charging into the store.

“Hello and welcome to ‘Donut Joe’s’,” a brown unicorn with green eyes said as Shining stormed to the counter. “My name is Joe, or as ponies like to call me, ‘Donut Joe’. How can I be of service?” Shining paid no attention as he ogled the showcase which contained the most delicious-looking pastries Shining had ever laid eyes on. “May I help you, young colt?” the baker asked as he stepped around the counter. Shining noticed him for the first time and whipped his eyes away from the display.

“Oh, sorry, I’m here to buy some donuts, pies and cakes,” he replied, his eyes slowly looking at the showcase again. Joe chuckled.

“What’s your name, kid?” he asked, drawing Shining’s attention again.

“Uhm, Shining Armor Sparkle, Sir,” Shining answered, one eye focusing on a cake behind the counter.

“Well Shining, call me Joe. What can I get you?”

“Well,” Shining muttered, watching a cake spin on its plate. “My mother wants me to buy 30 donuts and two two-layer-cakes. And she wants me to taste-test them.” Joe wrote down everything before breaking into a smile.

“Well then, what are we waiting for? Let’s do this.” He disappeared in the kitchen, only to come back with a huge batch of fresh-baked donuts. “New batch, just finished them. I got chocolate, cinnamon, glazed, banana, strawberry and what have you. And the cakes: banana, double chocolate, cream, chocolate-peppermint and so forth. Go on, taste them,” Joe said with a smile. Shining picked up a chocolate donut and took a bite. He was immediately assaulted by an explosion of flavor. He closed his eyes in pure bliss.

“Woooooow,” Shining droned out. Joe started to laugh.

“So, what do you think, kid?” he asked while wiping his eyes. Shining sat down on his haunches, staring at the donut in his hoof.

“Wow,” Shining said.

^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^

While his wife, daughter and son were having a good time, and a delicious moreover, Night Light was not having such luck. He had been assigned with getting the beverages for the evening. The good thing was that he had to taste test everything. The bad thing was the fact that the winery Velvet had chosen belonged to his parents. He hadn’t even put one hoof into the store before he was pulled inside and into a hug by his mother, Dazzle Sparkle.

“Oh, Night Light, how good to see you,” she said. “But dear, you are nothing but a stick anymore! Doesn’t your wife know how to cook a proper meal?” Night Light noticed the forced undertone in his mother’s voice. Despite outwardly accepting and welcoming Velvet in the family, it was an open secret that she still disliked Night Light’s choice and always tried to set him up with “a proper lady”, as she would call it.

“Hello, mother. Father,” Night Light said unenthused.

“Why, hello there, son. Nice to see you,” his father greeted. While his mother was an imperious and posh pony, his father, Orion Sparkle, was always friendlier, more welcoming and down to earth. Night Light smiled as he walked up to his father and embraced him. “How is your wife? It must be hard walking around with that huge belly. I remember when your mother was carrying you. She always complained, and complained, and complained, and – “

“EXCUSE ME?! You uncouth brute! Hmpf!” Dazzle replied, scrunching and sticking up her nose in indignation.

“Well, about that,” Night Light said, realizing that he hadn’t told his parents of the birth of their grandfoal yet, “Velvet gave birth yesterday. It’s a very healthy and buoyant filly and we decided to name her Twilight Sparkle.”

“Well, congratulations, son,” his father said. “I’m looking forward to seeing her.”

“Thanks, dad. She is the sweetest foal I ever laid eyes on, even cuter than Shining when he was her age.”

“HOW could you? Your filly was born yesterday and you didn’t immediately tell us OR call us to the hospital? And you gave her such a peasant name? Twilight? How very uncouth of you. I should have expected better from you, Night Light Sparkle, but you obviously chose to follow in your father’s hoofsteps,” Dazzle said, scrunching her nose again.
“Well, maybe we still have a chance to change the name. Maybe something exotic like Pineapple Blossom, or Carambola Bloom, or something classy like Lutetia or mystic like Andromeda or –“

“NO, mother,” Night Light exclaimed determined, “I know you think my wife is just a peasant, but you fail to realize that she is the kindest, sweetest, most generous mare I’ve ever met. And if we think the name is good and our foal likes it, we will definitely NOT change it!” Orion, seeing and sensing the coldness in both Dazzle’s and Night Light’s gazes, decided to step in and change the subject.

“So, son, what brings you to our business?” he asked, hoping to break the ice. Night Light averted his gaze and looked at his father.

“I need beverages for tonight,” he answered. “We’re having one of Shining’s friends over for dinner.”

“Oh, how nice. Who is it?” Orion asked, glad that the tensions were gone now.

“It’s Princess Celestia’s niece, Princess Cadence.”

“WHAT? Our grandson associates with ROYALTY? Oh, I am SO proud of him! Why can’t you be like your son, Night Light? He recognizes a demure mare when he sees her,” his mother exclaimed before shooting off into the back of the store, only to come back seconds later with a tray with five bottles on it in her magic. “I can’t believe that Shining knows not only a princess, but the niece of Princess Celestia HERSELF! Go on, taste! Everything has to be perfect when our Shining bonds with the future Mrs. Sparkle! Royalty, can you believe it?”
Night Light and his father shared a glance before shaking their heads, his father uncorking a bottle of their finest grape juice.

^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^
Three hours later, Shining left Joe’s, five packages on his back and a goofy grin on his face. He pulled out his list to check off “cakes”, only to realize that he had only checked one thing out of many off and had only two hours before he had to be home.

“Oh, come on! Tons of work and so little time! This is gonna be one pain in the flank!” He started to gallop of, only for his stomach to grumble painfully. Looking down, he noticed a huge bulge on his underside.

“Ow. I ate too much pie,” he groaned as he dragged himself along the streets of Canterlot.

^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^

“So, since my little princess was such a good and helpful filly today, mommy will buy her her own plushie,” Velvet said smiling. “Would you like that, my little pony?” Twilight squealed and clapped her hooves together as if confirming her mother’s question. “Well then, let’s go,” she laughed as she and Twilight walked into a small toy store.

“Good afternoon, how can I help you?” a unicorn mare asked as they entered.

“Good afternoon. I want to buy a plush toy for my little filly. Isn’t that right, my little Twilight?” Velvet said as she rubbed her nose against her daughter’s. The employee smiled.

“You really have a cute filly, ma’am. My name is Polly Pierce. What kind of plushie would you like?”

“Hmm. How about you choose, Twily? It’s your present after all,” Velvet said as she slowly walked around the shelving, Polly Pierce always by her side.

“Bahbabah!” Twilight suddenly exclaimed, jabbing her tiny hoof towards a shelf to the left of them. Velvet walked up to it and looked for the plushie her daughter was pointing at. This proved to be harder than expected, as Twilight would try to climb over her mother’s head.

“Ow! Twily, please stay in your carrier. Twily! OW!” Velvet whined as Twilight wormed about her neck.

“Got it!” Polly Pierce suddenly exclaimed, holding a teddy bear in her magic grip.
Twilight squirmed, trying to reach the bear, gradually transitioning into whining. Polly Pierce gave the filly a warm smile before levitating the bear over to her. Twilight squealed in joy, grabbing the bear and hugging it close to her chest, nuzzling it. Velvet smiled at her lovingly, gently kissing her head. Twilight looked up from her toy and smiled at her mother before taking the bear and holding it close to Velvet’s face.

“Dada,” she said, smiling and softly shaking the plushie in front of Velvet’s face.

“Yes, Twily, a bear, and it’s all yours,” Velvet answered her daughter. Twilight giggled and hugged the toy close to her chest again. Polly smiled.

“She must be the sweetest filly I’ve ever laid eyes on,” she stated. Twilight looked over to her before smiling and waving with the bear. “Yes, little filly, this is all yours,” Polly told her as she stepped closer. “May I ask how old she is?”

“Of course. She was just born yesterday,” Velvet answered.

“Oh how precious. May I?” Polly asked, lifting a hoof.

“Sure,” Velvet answered to which Polly began to softly nuzzle the foal. “I hate to break this up, but we’re kind of in a rush. How much do we owe you?”

“It’s alright, take it as a present for such a cute filly.”

“I shall do no such thing! This is such a high quality toy, you deserve to be paid.”

“No, I insist on you taking it with you for free.”

“And I insist to pay you. How much does this toy normally cost?”

“50 bits, but I could never take money from such a cute filly’s mother.”

“I will pay the full price!”

“And I will not take it.”

“All right, how about a compromise? I will pay you half of the price and tomorrow at 3 p.m., we will go out, drink some coffee and have some cake. Does that sound acceptable?”

“Indeed it does. Alright, 25 bits and coffee and cake tomorrow. We have a deal.” Velvet smiled as she took out a bag and placed 25 bits on the counter.

“Have a nice day,” she said as she and Twilight walked out of the store.

“You, too. See you tomorrow,” Polly replied as the door closed. Once outside, Velvet turned to her daughter.

“See, Twily. Always be nice and treat ponies like you want them to treat you.” But then she saw that Twilight was busy hugging and cuddling her toy and apparently didn’t even hear her. She smiled, shook her head, and started to walk home.

^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^

Half-an-hour later, Velvet was standing in the kitchen, preparing dinner. She had pulled the high chair to the counter so Twilight was sitting next to her, playing with her plushie. While preparing the potatoes as a garnish for the Portobello, she stole a glimpse at her filly, only to smile widely as she watched Twilight babble to herself while turning and waving her teddy around, no doubt letting it experience an ‘adventure’. As she watched, Twilight moved her teddy through the air, before squealing in delight, hopping up and down in her highchair. Velvet chuckled, carefully nuzzling her filly. Twilight looked up at her mother and hugged her leg, nuzzling into her fur.

Oh, you’ve gotta stop being this cute, my little princess. You’re too much, Velvet thought before chuckling. She bent down and softly kissed her filly between her eyes. Twilight smiled and held her teddy out to Velvet. Velvet smiled at her filly before taking the teddy and kissing it on its head. Twilight cheered and clapped her hooves together while Velvet hoofed the teddy back to her. Twilight yanked it to her chest before starting to chew on its ear, promptly drooling on it. Velvet watched her filly before stepping back to the stove, starting to cook the potatoes. At that very moment, the front door opened. Velvet turned to see a giant bouquet of flowers hover into the kitchen, followed by a very sweaty Night Light.

“Finally!” he announced, breathing heavily, “I thought I would NEVER make it in time!”

“Ah, honey, finally you’re here. Did you get everything?” Velvet asked her husband while taking the flowers and placing them on the countertop.

“YES! A huge bouquet of the finest peonies in town, the finest cheese for a cheese platter, fresh olive bread, olives, diapers for Twily, a new haircut, fresh hay for hayfries, milk and what have you. By the way, was it really necessary that I get the wine and grape juice from my parents?” Velvet chuckled.

“Well, I thought they should know that they got a granddaughter.”

“ – which she tried to name Pineapple Blossom or Carambola Bloom.” Velvet shuddered.

“Your mother always had an awful taste.”

“Of course, she didn’t want me to marry you. How worse can taste be,” Night Light flattered. Velvet gave a flattered laugh.

“You adulator,” she exclaimed, poking his chest. “But you are right, of course.” Night Light groaned.

“She wanted me to divorce you and find a proper lady for a wife AGAIN,” he said. “Whatever! I don’t wanna think about these things. I’m done for.” Velvet kissed her husband on his cheek.

“You did well, my diligent spouse. And here is your reward,” she said, pointing at Twilight. Night Light dropped everything he was carrying on the countertop before walking up to his filly. He watched as she chewed on her teddy before waving it up and down, constantly babbling to herself.

“She’s so beautiful,” he whispered, a tear running from one of his eyes. Velvet nuzzled up to him and they watched their little princess play and, just for that moment, the world around them ceased to exist – until the potatoes cooked over.

“Oh horse apples! Can you do me a favor? Can you please take Twily and give her a bath?” Velvet asked as she continued cooking. Night Light smiled, taking his daughter out of her highchair and carrying her to the bathroom.

^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^

Shining groaned as he heaved himself up the stairs of the front door.

“I will never eat so much pie again,” he mused as he opened the front door. Immediately he was greeted by the most delicious scent he had ever smelled in his life. His pain was immediately forgotten as his stomach informed him that it was time to eat whatever his mother was cooking, galore of course.

“Ah, Shining, there you are,” his father said, walking out of the kitchen, Twilight on his back. “Your mother is in the kitchen. Did you get everything she asked you for?”

“Yes, dad,” Shining replied, “and I took the best cake I could get from this new store, Donut Joe’s.”

“Great. I’m up bathing Twily. Isn’t that right, my little filly?” he asked his daughter, rubbing his nose against hers, Twilight giggling all the while. “Yes it is, yes it is.” And with that, he walked up the stairs. Shining watched them go before entering the kitchen. Immediately his senses were indulged by that scent, its intensity increased tenfold. He dropped everything he had on the kitchen table and let his nose lead him to the stove.

“Shining! Finally!” his mother said, coming out of the larder. “Did you get everything?”

“Yes, mom. I got two apricot pies, one apple pies, two double – chocolate double – layer cakes, thirty Donuts with six different flavors, a huge bowl of chocolate mousse, the candles, a new haircut, a new tablecloth, pink napkins with flowers on them, and what have you. Am I free now?” His mother shot him a displeased look.

“You know, young stallion, this is YOUR friend we’re talking about, so it isn’t asking too much of you to support me in making everything perfect for not only a classmate, but the NIECE of PRINCESS CELESTIA herself,” she announced, poking him in his ribs.

“Ow! Okay, mom, I got it!” Shining stepped back, rubbing his aching front.

“Good! Now go and prepare yourself. Our guest will be here in a short time.” Shining ducked his head as he stepped out of the kitchen, murmuring under his breath.

^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^

Twilight sat on a hamper, watching as her father filled the tub with water, hugging her teddy close to her chest. Night Light finished the bath and turned back to his daughter, who gave him a small smile in return while cuddling her teddy. Night Light smiled as he dropped down on eye level with her.

“Are you looking forward to your bath, little Twily?” he asked while rubbing his nose against hers. Twilight giggled, nuzzling into her father. “But before you go into the tub, we have to lay down your teddy for a second.” Night Light enveloped the plush toy in his magic, levitating it away from Twilight. Twilight clung to it, not wanting to let go, causing her to fall off the hamper. She immediately began to wail loudly.

“NIGHT LIGHT! WHAT HAVE YOU DONE?!” Velvet screamed, running into the bathroom at the same moment.

“I… the bear… how did…? “ Night Light stammered.

“A mother feels when her foal is in distress! What. Did. You. Do?!” Velvet breathed, picking up Twilight and holding her to her chest.

“I… I just wanted to take the b-bear so she could bathe. A-and she wouldn’t l-let g-g-go so I… “

“So you just took it and hurt her in the process?!”

“I-I’m sorry, I… “ Velvet eyed him angrily before cuddling Twilight to her chest.

“Now, now, it’s okay my little filly. Shh,” she calmed, gently licking Twilight’s tears away. She levitated the teddy over to her, working a little spell on it before placing it in her daughter’s tiny forelegs. “There. Now you can take your teddy with you while dabbling in the tub.” She kissed her between her eyes before looking at her husband again.

“Now I have to finish dinner. Tell your daughter you’re sorry!” Night Light slowly approached them. As he closed in, Twilight whimpered, hiding her face in Velvet’s coat.

“Twily, please, daddy is SO sorry. Please.” Twilight, still sniffing and clinging to her mother, turned her face a bit to see her father on eye level. He cracked a small smile, softly kissing her head. Twilight smiled softly before holding out her bear. Night Light chuckled as he gave it a nuzzle before gently taking Twilight from Velvet. “Can you forgive me, my little princess?” he asked, holding her to his chest and glancing into her purple eyes. Twilight answered by snuggling into his fur. “I’ll take that as a yes,” he stated, softly nuzzling her head. Velvet smiled at the display in front of her.

“Well, I’ll get back to preparing dinner,” she said, stepping out.

^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^

“Does my little filly enjoy the bath her daddy made her?” Night Light asked a short while later. He had been so entranced with his daughter he didn’t notice Velvet stepping out. Now, he sat by the tub, watching as Twilight bounced up and down in the water, swinging her now waterproof teddy around.

“Ahbabah!” Twilight stated, picking up a bubble with her hoof. It popped, causing a bout of giggles from Twilight as she tried to pick up more. They all popped in her hoof, causing Twilight to fall into a laughing fit. She bounced even more, bobbing her teddy around in the water, causing it to flow out of the tub.

“Now careful, Twily. You don’t want to make a mess now, do you?” her father chided her. Twilight answered by swishing her teddy sidewards, bathing him in a huge wave. Twilight laughed even more when she saw her father, soaking wet, his mane hanging over his face. Night Light shook himself before taking her out and placing her on a towel on her changing table.

“All right, you little troublemaker, you find this to be funny? How about THIS?!” he exclaimed, running a very fluffy towel all over Twilight’s ticklish body. Twilight squealed and tried to roll away from her father’s onslaught, but to no avail. He laughed as he continued to rub Twilight dry. When he was finished drying his daughter, he proceeded to give her a new diaper, and then donned her in a playsuit. “Now let’s see what mommy’s doing, shall we?” he asked, lifting Twilight and placing her on his back. Twilight giggled and jabbed her hoof forwards, as if shouting “Away!” . Night Light smiled as he trotted down the stairs.

^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^

As he stepped back into the kitchen, he noticed that Shining was already present, looking as if he had just stepped out of the shower himself.

“Hey, Dad. Hey, Twily,” he greeted, sipping a soda.

“Ah, Night Light, I’ve been waiting for you. Shining, could you do me a favor?”

“Sure, Mom, what is it?”

“Could you take care of Twily for a while? I’m gonna take a nice relaxing bath.”

“Sure, Mom, no problem,” Shining answered, getting up and taking Twilight from his father’s back.

“Night Light, you could use a shower as well. And hurry up, our guest will be here in a short while,” she said, stepping out of the kitchen. Night Light shook his head as he followed his wife out.

^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^

“Well, Twily, seems it’s only you and me now,” Shining stated, softly poking his sister’s nose. “Which means… I have absolutely no idea what we could do,” he concluded, rubbing his forehead with a hoof. What do you do with a newborn? he mused, watching Twilight chew on the bear’s leg. “Oh, I know!” he exclaimed. “How about we read a comic together?” He picked up Twilight the way he had seen his parents do and carried her to their library. Hmm, I must have made a mistake, he thought, as Twilight wouldn’t stop squirming the whole way. Once he finally reached the library, he immediately set her down on her back, causing her to roll left and right, much to her delight. He smiled before stepping to one of his shelves and pulling out an issue of his favorite Daring Do comic. “Hmm, maybe that kind of comic wouldn’t be fit for a foal.” Shaking his head, he instead opted for a Wonderbolts comic.
Lying down, he noticed Twilight snuggling into his side, staring at him with her sweet purple eyes. Shining smiled and pulled her into his forelegs before opening the comic.

“Look, Twily, it’s Soarin’, the newest addition to the Wonderbolts.” Indeed, a picture of the pale blue stallion filled the first side, introducing him as the newest addition to the Wonderbolts. The next two pages contained an interview with him, asking him about his past and what advice he could give the youth on how to become a Wonderbolt. The following spread contained a “Where’s Soarin’?” picture quiz. “Well, Twily, can you find Soarin’?” Shining asked. Twilight shortly looked at it before pointing on the issue. Smiling, Shining followed her hoof, only to realize that she was directly pointing at the searched-for Wonderbolt. “Whoa! That’s correct, Twily,” he said aghast. “Can you find Fire Streak, too?” he asked, showing her what Fire Streak looked like. Twilight clapped her hooves together before looking at the comic again. At the exact same moment, she poked the comic again. Shining looked and couldn’t believe his eyes. She did it again! A smile spread on his face. “Twily, you’re a genius,” he exclaimed, nuzzling her head. Twilight squealed in delight, again pointing to the comic book. Looking at it, Shining noticed a filly holding a teddy that strongly resembled the one on Twilight’s side. “Yes, Twily, that filly has a teddy, just like you,” he said, smiling warmly. Twilight cheered and picked up her teddy, hugging it to her chest and heavily cuddling it. Shining kissed her head before continuing to read her sister the comic, showing and explaining her everything.

“Oh, would you look at that, Night Light. Isn’t this just cute?” a voice suddenly said. Looking up, he noticed his parents were standing in the doorway, watching them. Turning his gaze towards the clock, he noticed that it was quarter to eight already, meaning they had been reading for three quarters of an hour. Twilight jumped for joy at the sight of her mother and immediately clamped onto her mother’s legs as she picked her up, waving her teddy around and loudly babbling to Velvet.

“Hello, little filly. Mommy is happy to see you, too,” Velvet said, rubbing her cheek against Twilight’s. “Did your brother read you a story? Did you like that?” she asked, cuddling her daughter to her chest, feeling Twilight nuzzle herself into her chest’s fur.

“Thank you for watching Twilight, Shining,” Night Light said, ruffling Shining’s mane.

“No problem, dad. It was a cool time,” Shining answered, smiling.

“All right, now that everything and everypony is ready, let’s set the table,” Velvet said, placing Twilight on her back. The little family smiled at each other before going into the dining room, preparing for their royal guest.

^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^

Meanwhile, Princess Cadence and Princess Celestia were on waiting for the carriage which would bring them to the Sparkle’s home. Cadence had taken a light shade of green over the day and was now shaking from the core. Celestia was standing beside her, her stature unwavering and regal as ever. Looking down, she noticed the nervousness emanating from her niece. She bent down to meet her eye level.

“Cadence, my niece, what’s wrong?” she asked. Cadence looked up, shivering on her whole frame.

“Aunty, I’m just SO nervous that I’ll do something bad so the Sparkles won’t like me,” she answered with a shaky voice. Celestia mildly shook her head before opening a wing and draping it over Cadence.

“Sunshine, we talked about this,” she said. “I assure you; you won’t do anything wrong. You are a wonderful young mare and I’m sure you will behave perfectly. Now calm down and think about all the fun you will most definitely have this evening. I mean, you get to see the Sparkle’s filly again, don’t you?” Cadence instantly perked.

“YES! Oh yesyesyesyesyesyesyesyes,” she chanted, jumping around Celestia. Celestia only chuckled at her niece’s behavior and laid a hoof on her shoulder as she jumped into another round. A mischievous glint in her eye, she continued.

“And even if they don’t like you,” she said, noting Cadence’s smile drop and a hint of fear scurry over her face, “you are the princess of love, are you not? You can just use a little spell and… “ she explained, waving her hoof through the air at the end of the sentence.

“AUNTY! How could you think of doing something like THAT?!” Cadence exclaimed, looking at her aunt in utter shock. Celestia eyed her niece before chuckling heavily. Cadence gawked at her before she understood her aunt’s joke. “Oh, Aunty, you prankster,” she laughed, gently prodding her aunt with her horn, just as their carriage landed in front of them. Still chuckling, they boarded the pony-driven vehicle, starting their way to the Sparkle residence.

^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^

“All right, everything is set and the Princess will arrive in a few minutes,” Velvet announced, Shining and Night Light in front of her and Twilight on her back. “I already made a seating plan, six-times-checked, of course. We don’t want to be unorganized, now, do we? Well, Night Light, you will sit at the head of the table. Shining, you will sit to your father’s left, next to you; we will leave open a space for the Princess, and next to that, on the other end of the table, I will sit with Twily to my left, so she always is in the Princess’ point of view and in my reach should she need anything. Any questions?” They all shook their heads. “Fantastic. Now go and take your places, because the princess could arrive – “ she suddenly was interrupted by the doorbell, “ – ANY MINUTE! GOGOGO! NIGHT LIGHT, FRONT DOOR!” she yelled, dashing into the dining room, Twilight staggering on her back. Night Light took a moment to register the situation before panicking.

OhmygoshtheprincessisherewhatdoIdonow, his mind rambled, why does Velvet always leave in such situations? Wait, what did she tell me?’Front door’? How is that supposed to help… OF COURSE, and with that he ran to the door, opening it while curtsying. “A good evening Princess… Celestia?” Indeed, standing on the doormat was not the Princess of Love, but the Princess of the Sun and sovereign ruler of Equestria herself. Night Light bowed even lower, his nose brushing against the tile floor. “Please excuse my surprise, your highness, but we were not expecting you,” he apologized, looking at her asquint.

“Please rise, my loyal subject, my visit was indeed unannounced,” Celestia said, smiling down at him. “I just came by to drop off my niece personally. And she wanted me to see your foal,” she explained.

“Well, would you like to join us for dinner, your majesty?” Velvet asked, stepping next to her husband before bowing.

“Oh, I couldn’t accept that, Mrs. Sparkle, it wouldn’t be very polite of me to impose.”

“Oh, but your majesty, you could never impose. Besides, I cooked a little more just in case. I have a whole Portobello Steak and enough garnish. And enough cake, pies and donuts for dessert,” Velvet explained. At the mention of cake, Celestia’s mouth watered, the Sparkles, fortunately, did not notice.

“Well, if you invite me so nicely, it would be rude of me to decline, now wouldn’t it?” Celestia asked rhetorically before entering.

“Nothing her majesty would do could EVER be considered rude,” Velvet said, stepping aside to leave her in, bowing as she did. Celestia chuckled.

“Please, my little pony, there is no need to bow,” she said, flashing a benevolent smile that seemed to relax everypony present. “Just relax and let us enjoy this evening.”

“Of course, your highness. Please follow me,” Velvet said. “A warm welcome to you, too, Princess Cadenza. How are you?” she added, noting that they had unintentionally ignored Cadence.

“Good evening, Mr. and Mrs. Sparkle, I’m fine, how are you?” Cadence asked, following her aunt.

“We’re fine, thank you,” Velvet answered, stepping into the dining room. “Shining, please welcome our guests for tonight, the Princesses Celestia and Cadenza.” Shining Armor stood up from his chair and bent his head.

“Princesses, I welcome you and bid you a good evening,” he said, looking up.

“Arise, young colt. In the name of my niece, we bid you a good evening as well,” Celestia retorted, also flashing him her calming smile. He stood up, smiling at her and Cadence, before blushing and looking away when meeting Cadence’s gaze. Twilight, who was sitting in her high chair and busy playing with her teddy, looked up before squealing and waving as she noticed Cadence. Cadence smiled as she stepped to the foal before gently nuzzling her.

“Why, hello there, little Twilight, how are you?” she asked, smiling as the filly babbled to her before holding out her teddy. “Oh, what do you have there? Is that a teddy? My, you really must have been a good filly, then,” she laughed, nuzzling the plushie, much to Twilight’s joy, who brought the toy back to her chest, cuddling it.

“I dislike breaking this moment, Princess Cadenza, your highness, but dinner is ready. I suggest that we start,” Velvet said, stepping next to Cadence. “Please sit and make yourself comfortable while I bring the food.”

“Please, Mrs. Sparkle, just call me Cadence. And I’d love to help,” Cadence said, following Velvet to the kitchen.

“Nonsense, dear, please sit down and let yourself be catered like a princess deserves to,” Velvet retorted. Turning around, she added, “Princess Celestia, your highness, as we weren’t prepared for your visit, it would be best if you could take a seat to the left of Twilight, if her highness approves, of course.”

“Why, I would love to. That way I can find out if she really is as cute as my niece told me. Although she has already proved this, I think,” Celestia answered with a wide smile as she sat down next to Twilight. The filly looked up from her teddy and at Celestia. “Hello, little Twilight, are you having a good time?” she asked the foal, bending down to meet her gaze. Twilight smiled and stretched her hoof out, softly poking the Princess’s snout. The whole Sparkle family gasped, Velvet nearly dropping the plate with the Portobello and Shining choking on a gulp of lemonade.

“Twily! You can’t do that! That’s the Princess you’re poking!” Night Light yelled. Twilight, not being used to being yelled at, whimpered before starting to cry loudly. Oh no, what have I done?! I made her cry the second time this day, he mused, jumping up and running around the table. Before he could reach his daughter, though, Celestia had already picked her up.

“Now, now, little filly, it’s alright,” she soothed, holding Twilight to her chest as she folded one wing around her. “You did nothing wrong, there is no need to cry. Your father was just worried. He didn’t yell because he is angry but because he cares about you. Stop your tears, my little pony. It’s okay.” The Sparkles and Cadence watched as Princess Celestia, sovereign ruler of all of Equestria, held little Twilight to her chest, softly murmuring soothing words to stop the filly from crying. Twilight slowly ceased crying, only sniffing from time to time and finally relaxed, a smile on her little face. “That’s right, calm down, everything is alright.” Celestia smiled as she lowered her head, connecting her horn to Twilight’s, exerting a spell, the golden aura spreading from her horn around Twilight’s before vanishing. Twilight squealed as if Celestia had tickled her and nuzzled into Celestia’s coat. Celestia smiled as she levitated the teddy into Twilight’s tiny forelegs.

“Erm, not to sound rude or anything, your highness, but what did you do to Twilight?” Velvet asked, worry and a hint of anger in her voice. She gulped before bowing again. “Forgive me for my insolent tone of voice and for doubting your actions and good will, your highness.” Celestia looked up and chuckled as she saw Velvet bowing again.

“Please, stand up. It is alright for you to question my actions involving your daughter, Mrs. Sparkle. Actually, it is nothing less than expected from a good mother,” Celestia said, setting Twilight down in her high chair. “For what I did: I just placed a little blessing on her, granting her a perfect health and a bright future.”

“Ah, I understand. Well, thank you very much for blessing our filly, your highness. I’m sure she would appreciate it if she understood,” Night Light said, smiling at his daughter who was busy rapping her teddy on the table. “Well, it seems we’re all set, so how about we start eating, your highnesses?”

“That sounds lovely, let us begin,” Celestia said, smiling at the round as they started filling their plates. But behind her smiling façade, her mind was working furiously. How can this be possible?! This needs serious investigation! A foal her age shouldn’t… Her train of thought was interrupted when she realized Cadence was eyeing her with a wary look. Celestia shook her head, clearing her thoughts and focusing on dinner and small talk. She took a bite of her Portobello and immediately forgot about all worries as she delighted in the magnificent taste. “By my sun, this has to be one of the best Portobello steaks I ever tasted. You simply must give me the recipe, Mrs. Sparkle,” she stated after swallowing. Velvet blushed profusely at the compliment.

“W-Well, thank you very much, your highness. It is nothing special, really. I bet it doesn’t even come close to challenging the delicacies that are served to you every day.”

“Please, compared to your skills, my cooks look like mere kitchen assistants,” she joked. If Velvet had been blushing before, it was nothing compared to the shade of red she had taken right now, which resembled a ripe tomato, her white cheeks failing miserably to shroud the color. “I think you would be the perfect cook for my palace.”

“I… that’s… I don’t know… thank you… I mean… ” she stammered, having lost all her wit and coherent thought at being praised by Equestria’s sovereignty herself. Celestia laughed, her warm voice chiming like bells as she turned her attention to Shining, who had been eyeing Cadence the whole time, the fork in his magic grip repeatedly missing his mouth as all his focus was turned to the young Princess of Love.

“Well, young Shining, since this is a friendly get-together, I’d like to find out more about you. Well, at least what I don’t already know from yesterday’s escapade, that is,” she said, eyeing Shining carefully. Shining’s fork hit the plate as all his attention was ripped away from Cadence, an uncomfortably heat creeping to his cheeks.

“Err, w-what do y-you want to k-know, your h-highness?” he asked in a shaky voice. His parents looked at each other before sternly glancing at him.

“Shining, is there something you want to tell us?” his father asked in a calm, but stern voice.

“W-well, um, that will sound pretty funny, you’re not gonna believe this, but I MIGHT have brokenintothecastleyesterday,” he gibbered.

“YOU WHAT?!” his mother exclaimed. “Shining, you could have gone to PRISON! And now you’ll NEVER become a royal guard. Why in Equestria would you do something as foalish as THAT?” Shining shrunk on his chair at the withering glares he was receiving from his parents.

“He meant well with his actions,” Celestia said, turning the attention away from Shining. “The only purpose of this nuisance was so that he could inform Cadence of your daughter’s birth, as he had promised her. As for his future as one of my royal guards: I have talked about this with Cadence and since he already proved his magical abilities and strong sense of duty, I will personally see to him joining the guard. And because of his remarkable resolve, I’m sure that he will ascend to a high rank without any problems.” Celestia smiled to everybody around before turning her attention back to Shining. “Now, back to where we left. I’d like to know how you and Cadence met. She already told me, but I think it would be nice to hear it from your point of view.” Shining, who had been starring at her slack-jawed, shook his head to clear his thoughts.

“W-well, if I remember correctly, it was about 3 months ago…”

^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^

“Hey Shining, how’s it going? Enjoyed your holidays?” Shining heard a voice behind him. He had just left the auditorium where his principal had welcomed back all students, saying how much he enjoyed seeing them back in his school and reminding them of the rules and mores and all the other stuff that bored him to hay. He turned around to see his friend Dusk Shine approach him with a big smile on his face, wearing a brand new jacket.

“Woah, Shine, is that the newest official Wonderbolts jacket?” Shining asked in awe.

“Sure is. You know that my parents and I spent the holidays in Las Pegasus and that’s where they introduced Soarin’ to the team. In fact, this jacket even has the official colors of Soarin’s flight suit.”

“That’s so cool! I wish I had a jacket like this one,” Shining whined as they sat down. Dusk Shine laughed, jabbing his friend into the shoulder.

“Good day class, it’s so nice to see you again. I hope you had a nice time,” their teacher, Mrs. Heartstrings said, entering the class. “Before we get back to our usual swing, I’d like to introduce a new filly to you.”

“Oh great, another one of this girly ‘does this thing make me look fat’ fillies,” Dusk Shine muttered.

“Yeah,” Shining whispered back, “she’s probably gonna come in and ask all of us to sign her pink bunnyladden folder.”

“Shining Armor, Dusk Shine! No whispering!” Mrs. Heartstrings reprimanded them.

“Yes, Mrs. Heartstrings, we’re sorry Mrs. Heartstrings, it will never happen again Mrs. Heartstrings,” they chanted in unison. Mrs. Heartstrings eyed them warily before continuing.

“Well, as I said, a new filly will join us. And she’s not a normal filly, but the niece of our beloved Princess Celestia herself. I ask you to warmly welcome Princess Cadence,” she said, stepping sideways to reveal… Shining’s jaw hit the ground, for at the front of the class he saw the most beautiful being he had ever laid eyes on. Her soft, pink coat seemed to shine in the light and her eyes were a deep pool of violet in which Shining felt like he was drowning.

“Please, Mrs. Heartstrings, just call me Cadence,” the young alicorn princess said, slightly embarrassed at always being addressed and introduced as ‘Princess’. “And please treat me like everypony else. I’m here as your student, not your sovereignty.”

“As you wish, Pr – I mean Cadence. Please, sit down so we can start.” Shining, sensing his opportunity, turned to his friend and, with a tiny bit of magic, gently moved him from his chair.

“Um, Pr – I mean Cadence, you can sit here if you like to,” he said as calmly as possible, waving her over and pointing at the now empty chair next to him. The young princess smiled shyly before settling on Dusk Shine’s chair. ‘So far, so good.’ He scooted closer to her before slightly bending over. ‘And now just play it cool.’ “Hi there, I’m Shining Armor, what’s your name?” he asked before noticing his mistake. ‘WHAT WAS THAT?! Retreat!’ “Erm, I mean, I know your name is Cadence, but what I wanted to know was your name. Um, nonono, I think what I’m trying to say is…” Cadence started giggling, making Shining’s cheeks become a fiery red.

“You’re funny, Shining Armor,” she simply said, blushing slightly and turning her attention back towards their teacher. Shining also stared back at the front, but his mind was running overdrive. ‘She thinks I’m funny! AWESOME!’

^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^

“W-well, and that’s how I met your niece, your highness,” Shining finished.

“It sure was a funny day. I remember when Dusk Shine stood up again. He looked as if he was about to strangle you right away,” Cadence giggled.

“Well, erm, maybe I shouldn’t have pushed him off his seat that hard,” Shining guiltily said.

“That explains why he wouldn’t talk to you. Star Shine even asked me if you and he were in some sort of fight,” Night Light said as he helped his wife carry out the used dishes and bring in the desserts.

“Yeah, it took me two weeks to make him forgive me. I thought he would hate me forever. He even forgave me for soiling his new jacket.”

“Well, luckily you two are such good friends. And now let’s enjoy a few desserts,” Velvet said, passing around dessert plates. “What would you like, your highness?” she asked, looking at Celestia. Celestia, who had been enraptured in the sight of a double-layer double chocolate cake, looked up, clearing her throat.

“I’d like to try this cake as well as one donut and a bit of chocolate mousse, please.” Night Light and Velvet exchanged a glance before dismissing their surprise, Velvet handing Celestia the desired treats. The others helped themselves to the delicacies before Night Light decided to carry on the conversation.

“Well, your Hi – I mean, Cadence, if you allow me a question: I always wondered about the aging process of an alicorn,” he said, looking from Cadence to Celestia, “Princess Celestia, it is known that you are older than us and still, you look like you are sixteen.” Celestia chuckled flattered. “And I remember the day when Princess Celestia introduced you to ponyfolk. My question is: How old are you, Cadence?”

“Well, Mr. Sparkle, the aging process of an alicorn is of course different than that of a ‘normal’ pony,” she explained. “For my age, I’m –“ She suddenly was interrupted by Twilight throwing down a plate, loudly and vigorously griping around.

“Twily, what is wrong?” Velvet asked her daughter, standing up from the table and picking her up. She took a bottle full of her milk and tried feeding Twilight.

“W-well, to return to your question, Mr. Sparkle, I’m –“

“BABABAH!” Twilight exclaimed, pushing the bottle away and squirming around in Velvet’s legs, trying to get away.

“Twily, relax, what is wrong with you?” Velvet chided, trying hard to not drop her.

“Excuse me, may I, Mrs. Sparkle?” Celestia asked, examining Twilight’s behavior.

“Yes, of course, HNNG, your highness,” Velvet replied through gritted teeth as Twilight proceeded to kick and hit around herself. Celestia took the filly, smiling gently down at her. Twilight carried on with squirming around, slowly starting to whine.

“Hush now, quiet now, it's time to lay your sleepy head, hush now, quiet now, it's time to go to bed,” Celestia softly sang, gently rubbing Twilight’s belly. The whole family and Cadence were perfectly still as they listened to Celestia’s angel-like voice. Even Twilight stopped her whining, gently smiling up at Celestia, bathing in the warmness of her voice. She yawned lightly, her eyelids slowly drooping as she tried, and failed, to stay awake.
“Drifting off to sleep, an exciting day behind you, drifting off to sleep, let the joy of dream land find you,” she continued. The singing, combined with the gentle belly rubs, slowly proved to be more than Twilight could bear and soon she was fast asleep, snoring slightly.
“Goodnight, my little pony,” Celestia muttered, gently nuzzling Twilight’s face.

“That… was… absolutely wonderful, your highness. Your singing was beautiful,” Velvet said, gently taking Twilight from her. Celestia blushed lightly at the compliment.

“Why, thank you very much, Mrs. Sparkle,” she mumbled as she turned her attention to the desserts laid out in front of her.

“Please, don’t wait for me. I will join you as soon as I get little Twily to bed,” Velvet announced before placing Twilight on her back and gently walking out of the room and up the stairs. Celestia needn’t be told twice and happily took a bite out of a donut. Her eyes shooting open in surprise at the marvellous taste, and she immediately tasted the cake, too, being surprised a second time as the cake’s flavour seemed to thrive even more the longer she chewed.

“My, this cake is delicious. Did you make it yourself?” she asked the present Sparkles.

“Well, no, I bought it from a vendor called Joe. Apparently he has just launched his business, ‘Pony Joe’s’, near the palace,” Shining answered, recalling the friendly unicorn and his stunning hoofwork. Celestia rubbed her chin with her hoof, apparently deep in thought.

“Hmm. Interesting. I shall summon him to my court tomorrow to come to know his craftsmanship better. Now,” Celestia announced, turning her attention from Shining to Night Light, “as to your question, Mr. Sparkle: the aging process of an alicorn is an intricate procedure. First of all, an alicorn isn’t born like a usual foal. While a foal needs about eleven months before it is born, an alicorn will need eleven hundred years to fully develop,” she explained.

“ELEVEN HUNDRED YEARS?! How can that be possible?”

“Well, back in the time when there were other alicorns who inhabited this realm, an alicorn foal was conceived like a normal foal and would also need eleven months. But there exists a second way. A way in which only one alicorn is needed. Instead of carrying the foal, it will be placed in a stasis bubble where it will be nourished and guarded by a steady magic flow. The hitches are that the bubble needs to be provided with the magic of an alicorn from time to time and that the process takes that long. As to your question about Cadence’s age: she is, in fact, roughly your son’s age. She was in her stasis bubble for this long time and was born only lately, relatively speaking. I personally took care of the bubble in which she grew for the past millennium.”

“And I couldn’t be more grateful, aunty,” Cadence said, smiling at her aunt.

“It was my greatest pleasure and the best I did in all that time,” she replied, flashing Cadence the same warm smile she always wore when they had some time for themselves.

“But, excuse me your highness, isn’t there any OTHER way for an alicorn to come into this world?” Night Light asked, still aghast at the revelation of the alicorn’s incubation.

“Well, actually there is a third method. But it differs from the first two as the alicorn won’t have to be born that way.”

“What does that mean, your highness?”

“Well, a very long time ago, long before Canterlot was even built, a prophecy was created which stated that there would be one pony powerful enough to redeem L… to help Equestria to a time of peace and prosperity. ‘One pony who would not only tie the ponyfications of harmony, but would also bring harmony to all tribes, no matter if pony, mule, goat or gryphon’. And this pony would be powerful and pure hearted enough to ascend to the lineage of the alicorns. But to achieve this, this pony would have to possess an incredible amount of raw magic. And in all my time, I haven’t met a pony like this.”

“Wow, that sounds like this pony would have to be a real whammy on the Star Swirl scale, then,” Shining opined in awe.

“I don’t know how to feel about this prophecy. This pony would have to exceed the Star Swirl scale as not even he was powerful enough. And he was the strongest unicorn I’ve ever met,” Celestia said, clearly in thought.

“Incredible. Would that even be possible, your highness?” Velvet asked, re-entering the dinner room and sitting back down.

“I don’t know, to tell you the truth. But I really hope it is. L… Equestria would deserve the peace and unity,” Celestia answered. The rest of dinner went rather quietly; Celestia or Night Light asking Shining and Cadence about school, Night Light telling Celestia about his work at one of her academies, Velvet talking about Shining’s days as a foal (much to his embarrassment) and Celestia telling about her royal duties. After some time, Night Light remembered the second question he wanted to ask Cadence.

“Cadence? There is another thing I wanted to know, if that’s alright.”

“Of course, Mr. Sparkle. What do you like to know?”

“Well, if her highness Celestia is your aunt, then who is, or was, your father or mother?”

“Well, my mother –“Cadence started just as the grandfather clock announced eleven pm.

“My goodness, is it this late already? I think it is high time we departed,” Celestia announced, getting up. “Come on, Cadence.” Cadence looked at her aunt, confused, but still decided it was best to just silently follow her and save her questions for later.

“Please, your highness, you can stay a bit longer, if you’d like,” Velvet said, bowing again.

“No, thank you, Mrs. Sparkle, but we have made use of your hospitality long enough.”

“Well then, we will escort you to your carriage, then.”

“Err, Mrs. Sparkle?” Cadence asked shyly.

“Yes, dear?”

“Could I maybe, I mean if that’s alright, um, see Twilight again before we leave?”

“I don’t really think that would be a good idea, dear.”

“Pleaaase?” Cadence asked with puppy eyes.

“Well, alright, but please, be as quiet as possible. We don’t want to wake her up, now do we?”

“Thank you SO much. It won’t take long, I promise.” Cadence and Celestia followed Velvet up the stairs and into the Sparkle’s bedroom. Velvet softly lit her horn and motioned for them to follow. They walked up to a lavender crib. Peeking inside, Cadence saw the most beautiful thing she had ever seen. Little Twilight was lying on her side underneath a fluffy blanket, softly nickering in sleep. As they watched, she rolled over to her other side before softly beginning to suck at her hoof.

“She’s SO unbelievably ADORABLE!” Cadence quietly squealed, barely keeping her voice low.

“That she is, my dear niece. But we really should go out and let her sleep, lest she be roused by a barely contained squeal,” Celestia answered, a little impish grin forming upon her face. Cadence blushed slightly before nodding and stepping out of the room.

“Thank you very much, Mrs. Sparkle. But I think now is the time for us to depart and let you enjoy the rest of your evening. Come now, my niece.” They stepped outside and Celestia worked a little of her magic, a spark emanating from her horn which soon vanished into thin air. A few seconds later, their chariot arrived, ready to bring them back to the castle. Celestia turned back to the family, flashing them her regal smile. “I again thank you for the evening and all your hospitality. Have a very nice evening,” she said as she stepped into the vehicle.

“I, too, thank you very much for the evening, as well as giving me enough opportunity to see your daughter. Have a nice evening,” Cadence said, also smiling, before she turned to Shining. “Well, thank you, too, Shining, and, well…“ she stammered before stepping forth and hugging him, placing a kiss on his cheek. “I’ll see you at school.”

“Goodbye, princesses; have a nice evening, too,” Velvet and Night Light said together. Shining stood where Cadence had embraced him, murmuring incoherent words as the family watched the carriage be drawn away by the guards at the front before it made its way to the castle.

“Well, that was a very nice evening, wasn’t it?” Night Light asked his family as they stepped back into their house.

“Indeed it was. What did you think about it, Shining?” Velvet asked her son before noticing that he still was standing outside, watching the spot where the carriage had stood, a blush on his face and still mumbling to himself. Velvet smiled as she enveloped him in her magic, gently carrying him inside.

“But didn’t you find it odd how Princess Celestia departed right as Cadence was about to tell us about her mother?”

“I don’t know, Night Light, maybe there are some things that the Princess doesn’t want to share. I mean, even if she is the sovereign ruler of Equestria, she can have a bit of privacy, now can’t she?”

“Hmm. I guess you’re right,” Night Light replied, stifling a yawn. “Phew, that was an exhausting day. I think we can let the dishes wait until tomorrow. I’m down and out!” Night Light said as he schlepped himself up the stairs.

“You’re right, let’s do the cleaning up tomorrow. Come on, lover boy, time for bed,” Velvet said, following her husband and dragging her son up the stairs as well. Shining continued to mumble, watching the door with glassy eyes and fire-red cheeks.

^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^

“Well, I think it was a very nice evening,” Celestia said as she and Cadence trotted back into the castle, having landed only moments ago.

“Me, too. And wasn’t the filly just A-DO-RA-BLE?!” Cadence squealed.

“My, Cadence, you really fell for that little foal, didn’t you?” Cadence blushed profusely before bending her brow.

“Well, dear Aunty Celestia, YOU liked that filly, too, now didn’t you?” Celestia smiled before nuzzling her niece behind the ear.

“Yes, I found her remarkably cute. Speaking of remarkable, though, are you not surprised of the filly’s activeness? I mean, she is a newborn foal, after all.” Cadence put a hoof to her chin in thought as they stepped trough the main gates into the castle.

“Hmm, I guess you’re right, Aunty. What do you think it means?” Celestia eyed her niece, unsure of what to say next.

Should I tell her of my hunch? Hmm, no, I probably should examine this thoroughly before bringing her into the loop.“I’m not sure. But what I am sure of is that we should keep an eye on this filly. I’m sure that we will hear something about her in the future.”

“I’m sure we will. The Sparkle family is – yawn – awesome,” Cadence replied with drooping eyes. Celestia smiled before lifting Cadence up and placing her on her back.

“Come on, now, little Princess, it’s time for bed,” she said, trotting up the stairs and going into the direction of Cadence’s room, the young Princess grousing the whole way that she wasn’t tired. Celestia walked up to the huge bed, gently dropping Cadence and pulling the sheets over her.

“Goodnight, Sunshine,” she said, giving Cadence’s cheek a nuzzle.

“Mmmh, Goonign,” Cadence mumbled before falling asleep. Celestia smiled as she watched Cadence shift under her covers, a small smile on her face as well. She decided that she should start her research now, seeing as she had a little free time to spare. She stepped out of Cadence’s room, gently closing the door and making her way to the royal library.

^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^

Half an hour later, Celestia was lying on her favourite cushions in her own bedroom, entertaining herself with reading a novel about her student, Star Swirl The Bearded. She couldn’t concentrate on the book, though, as her mind always drifted back to the evening and the Sparkle’s little filly, Twilight Sparkle.

She looked out of her window and up to the moon, deeply in thought. Her eyes filled with tears as she watched it, clearly distinguishing the silhouette of the “Mare In The Moon”, as ponies liked to call it.

Oh Luna. I miss you so dearly. I hope with all my heart that we find the one. The one that will reunite us again after all this time. I’m sorry, Luna. I should have saved you while I had the chance. I miss you. “I really, really miss you, Luna!” she called, letting the tears flow freely now. She threw her head in her hooves and sobbed openly, not caring if anypony heard her for the moment.

“Oh, Luna, please forgive me,” she sniveled. Suddenly, there was a knock on the door. Celestia gasped before wiping her eyes and clearing her throat. “Come in,” she said in the best regal voice she could muster. The door opened, revealing her niece.

“Cadence? What is wrong? You should be in bed.”

“I couldn’t sleep well, so I wanted to go to the kitchen to get some milk.” Cadence walked up to her, nuzzling into her side.

“You couldn’t sleep? Is something bothering you?” Celestia asked, scooting over to make some space for her niece to lie down.

“No, I guess, I’m just still hyper because of the evening and the Sparkle’s foal. It got me thinking. Do you think they maybe would… would maybe let me foalsit her some day?” Celestia looked at her, mildly surprised

“Why, Cadence, I’m sure they would love for you to foalsit. You know that they like you. And if you take a bit of work off their hooves, I’m sure they wouldn’t refuse your help. But I think it will be some time until you can do that. This filly is still very young and in constant need of their mother. But some day, I’m sure you can,” Celestia said, smiling down at her.

Cadence noticed that her aunt seemed to smile a bit too wide. Something was off.

“Err, Aunty? Is anything wrong?” she cautiously asked. Celestia winced before shaking her head, flashing that same crooked smile again.

“Why do you ask? Everything is just fine, my little pony. Maybe you do need some sleep,” she said, putting off Cadence’s worries. Cadence eyed her warily. Even though her aunt never showed signs of personal troubles in public, she always was honest when they were among themselves. She sensed that her aunt was lying, something she had never done in the past. Going for broke, she looked Celestia directly into the eyes.

“It’s… mother again, isn’t it?” Celestia’s smile fell as she turned away.

“Yes… “ she muttered, avoiding Cadence’s gaze. Cadence pressed her head against Celestia’s chest, nuzzling into her fur. Celestia sighed, taking Cadence into her forelegs.

“Aunty, please remember: it wasn’t your fault. You had to do it to save Equestria.”

“Oh, Cadence, thank you for your faith in me,” Celestia said, kissing Cadence’s head. “But I can’t stop thinking if I could have done something different. And even if I could not, I was the worst sister I could have been. I knew that she was hurting, but in my foolishness, I thought that just spending some time with her would mend her broken heart. I neglected her. And for that, I can never forgive myself.” She stared out of the window again, only for Cadence to turn her head back, making eye contact with her.

“Aunty, you mustn’t think like that. Even if you made mistakes back then, you already paid the price for it. You were forced to live alone, blaming yourself the whole time while living in pain. But you already made up for it. I’m sure mother will forgive everything. Especially when she sees that you took care of me, her own daughter.”

“Oh, Cadence,” Celestia said, hugging Cadence close to her chest. “Bringing you to this world was the best thing I have ever done.” Cadence smiled, nuzzling Celestia’s chest. They laid there in complete silence, basking into the other’s loving warmth. After a few minutes, Cadence cleared her throat.

“Uhm, Aunty?” she asked, a little worried.

“Yes, Sunshine?”

“Could you… could you maybe… tell me a bit about mother?” Celestia looked at Cadence, hesitant to answer. But when she saw her pleading eyes, she decided it was best to oblige. She sighed before smiling at her niece.

“Of course, my dear. Your mother was the kindest, sweetest, most generous sister anypony could ask for. Even though both she and the artworks she put into the night sky were ignored by most ponies, she never lost her vigor to create an even more beautiful sky the next night. I sometimes envied her artistic skill, for my days seemed dull and shiftless. I always looked forward to dawn and dusk, for we would combine our powers and bring forth the most beautiful artworks ever seen by our subjects. Those were the times when we were the closest. We would lay down together and watch our work, talking and just being together like sisters should. Even your creation was a work of her art. She, like you, always was very good with foals. And I knew that she craved to have one herself. So, I taught her the exact process she needed. I will always remember the happiness in her eyes when I told her.”

“But, Aunty, if you were so close and her art was loved by the ponies, how come she became Nightmare Moon?” Celestia visibly winced at the mention of her sister’s alter ego.

“I don’t really know, to tell you the truth. I guess it was more than one reason. I was told by her guards that nopony ever came to her Royal Night Court. So maybe it was loneliness. Or perhaps she was envious of me because the ponies loved and seized the day, but slept through the night. Or she was hurt because nopony ever cherished her artwork besides me. I only know that I should have helped her while I had the chance. It’s not like she was sweet and kind one moment and Nightmare Moon the other. I noticed her becoming cold and repellent, speaking less kind words, sometimes even acting cruel. But instead of helping her, I reprimanded her, arguing with and yelling at her, telling her to clean up her act. Instead of saving her from her path, I merely pushed her farther upon it, only trying to stop her when it was already too late. When she comes back, I will beg for her forgiveness and be the sister she deserves.” Celestia paused to rub a few tears out of her eyes before smiling down at Cadence who was beginning to fall asleep again. “And then I will show her her marvelous daughter, the child she always wanted and we can finally be the family we always should have been.”

“Mmh, I’d like that, Aunty,” Cadence said with drooping eyelids. Celestia levitated a cushion under her head, before kissing her between the eyes.

“As would I,” she said, shifting so she was lying right next to Cadence, placing a protective wing over her. Cadence, eyes finally closing, nuzzled up to her aunt’s side.

“Goodnight, Aunty. I love you,” she said before falling asleep again.

“Goodnight, Sunshine. I love you, too,” Celestia said. Before resting herself, she looked at the moon one final time, gently uttering a last sentence:

Goodnight, Luna. I love you

Preparations And Premonition

Three weeks had passed since the dinner with the Princesses, and Cadence was now a frequent visitor of the small family. She would come by for lunch or dinner or just to play with little Twilight. The foal surely had evolved in the time passing. A week after the event she could be seen scrambling around the house, climbing into the hamper and scooting under the bed. A week later from that she scared the daylight out of her parents thanks to her curiosity. They were visiting a park, the filly deciding that she wanted that butterfly that had landed on her nose. Utilizing a moment of inattention, she climbed out of the buggy and hurried after the small insect. When her parents had noticed the lack of purple foal in the buggy, Night Light had fainted while Velvet let out a panicked scream, shaking a close Royal Guard while rambling about her missing daughter. The Guard had to be treated with for tinnitus as well as for whiplash and a mild concussion (the Royal Guard decided to drop the charge on Princess Celestia’s behest). Luckily for all parties, Shining Armor had managed to keep a level head and had found his little sister after a short time, lying on her back and squealing in delight as butterflies frolicked around her, her little hooves rotating around in the sky. Now, three weeks after Princess Celestia’s visit, it was time for Twilight’s next step in development.

“Come on, Twily, you can do it!” Shining encouraged his sister. The family was sitting in their spacious living room, enjoying the fire in their chimney and the warmth in the room. Night Light was reclining on a comfy hoofchair, reading the Canterlot Times. From time to time, he would peek over the edge and smile at the antics of his wife and son as they mentored Twilight. Said filly was next to Velvet, leaning against her mother as she stood on her wobbly purple hooves. Velvet was leaning down to her daughter, her snout close to Twilight’s belly in case she faltered. The baby pony, under the expectant gaze of her family, decided to take an unsteady step forward, swaying to and fro as she tried to steady her stand. As soon as she had a safe hoofing, she tried taking another and… tilted over, just to land on her mother’s snout as she gently lifted her back to her hooves.

“Take your time, my little princess, we have all day,” Velvet reminded her daughter, softly nuzzling her snout against the filly’s neck. Twilight looked up to her mother before smiling. She turned back to her brother and prepared for the next step. “That’s it, that’s the spirit,” her mother cheered her on. “Walk on, you can do it. Hoof by hoof.” Shining watched as his sister took a step, swaying slightly, but keeping her hoofing. Slowly, she approached him, her little brow furrowed in utter concentration. A few steps away however, she suddenly stopped before plodding down to the ground. She looked up to Shining with a sulky frown on her face, her lower lip quivering.

“Ah, come on, Twily, don’t be like that,” Shining said, walking up to his sister and taking her into a hug. “You did awesome! You almost got it!”

“He’s right, my filly, you did wonderful,” Velvet said, taking Twilight from Shining and placing her in her high stool. “And guess what fillies get that did so well? A cookie!” She exclaimed, levitating a chocolate chip cookie over to Twilight. Twilight squealed in delight as she was hoofed the cookie, promptly taking it and beginning to munch on the delicious treat.

“Well, little Twilight surely is growing up fast,” Night Light said, looking up from his newspaper. “If things go on like this, she will be out and about with some colts in no time!”

“Don’t be ridiculous, honey, she’s gonna be our little angel forever,” Velvet said, rubbing cheeks with Twilight. Looking up, she suddenly eyed Shining. “Speaking of colts, you didn’t get into any trouble with the royal nephew again, did you now?”

“I didn’t do anything to him, mom,” Shining complained. The upside of being into school with royalty was that he had the chance to see Cadence every day. The downside: Princess Celestia's "newphew" and Cadence's "cousin," Prince Blueblood. Cadence had once explained to him that Blueblood wasn’t related to them at all, but since his father was a huge benefactor, Princess Celestia had conferred them both to princes of Equestria. Now Blueblood strutted around like he was Celestia herself. He came to school whenever he liked, treated everyone as vermin, and always boasted with his father’s wealth. But the worst thing, was that he cast an eye on Cadence. Since he thought himself royalty, he had the gall to claim that she should stop seeing “rabble” and only associate with the “noble” ponies. He sent her gifts, invited her to expensive dinners or coach tours and gave her tips on how to be a “proper” princess as he liked to call it. Cadence despised him to death, but had promised her aunt to be nice to him. Luckily for her, this didn’t hold true for Shining, who, to her great amusement and gratefulness, never got tired on picking on the snob. Unfortunately, his teachers and parents found his shenanigans not as amusing as Cadence. Since he was nearly expelled from school for a magic trick involving a beehive and his “guards,” his mother always scapegoated him.

“You know that isn’t true. Stay away from him.”

“But mom, he always annoys Cadence and picks on me.”

“I don’t care. Cadence is old enough to look after herself. Besides, she is royalty. She can ORDER him to leave her alone. You, on the other hoof, are a normal colt. And I don’t want YOU to ruin your future! Don’t you realize that he could ensure that you’ll never be a royal guard? And what if you were expelled before you could graduate? Do you think they’ll take expelled students in cadet school?”

“Yes,” Shining answered. “As you might remember, mother, the guard already wanted me years ago. Besides, Princess Celestia promised that she will personally help me with becoming a royal guard. And Blueblood only gets what he deserves for annoying my Cadence!”

“Your Cadence?” Night Light asked, putting the newspaper aside.

“Wha? What… I… I mean… what?” Shining stammered his cheeks fire-red. Velvet decided to quit her lecture and redeem her son.

“It’s alright, Shining, it’s perfectly normal for a colt your age to feel like this for a filly. Besides, I think it’s cute that you want to protect her so much.” Shining shook his head, his cheeks slowly clearing up again.

“Well, um, it’s my duty, isn’t it? To… protect royalty, no matter where and how. And I’m responsible-minded.”

“Well, you can prove this tomorrow. As you know, we’re having a meet-up with the family. I still can’t believe my parents never saw Twily. I think it’s high time they met their granddaughter.”
“I’m glad mine didn’t come by until now,” Night Light murmured under his breath.

“So your father and I are going to be busy with preparations,” Velvet carried on, ignoring Night Light’s muttering. “As soon as your father is back from work, we’ll be on our way. Since we will be out the whole afternoon, I want you to foalsit your little sister. Oh, and it would be nice if you could invite Cadence right in the morning, as well.” Shining perked. Not only did he get the chance to again spend some time with Cadence after school, but he moreover had the chance to watch his sister and bond with her. A smile on his face, he walked over to where Twilight was still munching on her cookie.

“You heard that, Twily? We’re gonna spend an awesome afternoon together. Just you and me. Isn’t this exiting?” A cookie half landed on his face, hitting him square in the muzzle as Twilight squealed and babbled in joy, clapping her hooves all the while.

^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^

The next morning, Shining awoke before sunrise. He had tried to sleep longer, but he was way too excited about the coming afternoon. He knew that they would have lots of fun together. He would teach her everything he knew. He imagined them playing in the backyard, reading comics together and eating ice cream. His mind wandered from his sister to Cadence. He felt a small pang of guilt when realizing that this afternoon, he would do something he knew Cadence had wanted for the past three weeks: to foalsit Twilight. Even though they had barely spent any time together, Cadence had already taken the little foal into her heart. She would always ask Shining about every detail of his sister’s development and as often as possible if she could come over just to see her. At first, he had felt a bit of jealousy that his sister got all the attention from his princess, but soon discovered that they grew closer with every day she came over. An idea found its way into his luxuriating mind.

Maybe I can coax mom and dad into letting Cadence foalsit Twily, he thought, a grin forming on his face. Oh, I can’t wait to see the look on her face as soon as I tell her. I’ll ask mom and dad, right away. He climbed out of bed, just to realize that the sun had just risen above the horizon, the first rays not even strong enough to illuminate the room.

Well, maybe I should wait a bit before asking them, he thought as he stepped out of his room and hopped down to the kitchen to prepare breakfast.

^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^

Meanwhile, in the palace, Celestia’s horn ceased glowing, her charge peeking above the horizon, and her sister’s moon beginning its descent. She was standing on her balcony, watching the celestial objects for which she had taken up the baton begin their millennia old dance across the skyscape. Closing her eyes, she let the rays of her sun wash over her face, it’s gentle, warm touch feeling like the caress of a mother. Opening her eyes again, she remembered days long past, days spent frolicking in the courtyard of the old castle under the loving gaze of her parents. Content with her work, she stepped back inside and began her walk to the royal banquet hall. Opening the door to her chambers, she noticed that one pony was already standing outside, waiting for her.

“Good morning, Cadence. Did you sleep well?” Celestia asked her niece, stepping out and closing the door behind her.

“Good morning, Aunty Celestia. Yes, I did.” Cadence answered, following her aunt out of the tower and into the main building.

“So, what are your plans for today? After school, I mean.”

“Well, I thought about visiting the Sparkle family today,” Cadence answered, a light blush rising to her cheeks. Celestia raised an eyebrow, an impish grin forming on her face.

“You sure do visit them often. This filly sure melted your heart, didn’t it? Or is it perhaps a certain colt that has got you all jazzed?” Cadence’s cheeks became a familiar shade of red from her aunt’s implication.

“AUNTY! We’re just friends! We’re… “ she stopped when she saw her aunt watching her with unveiled mirth tinkling in her eyes. “Oh, aunty, you’re terrible,” Cadence remarked, a small smile spreading on her muzzle.

“So I was right, wasn’t I? That filly has got you all in a tizzy.”

“How could she not? I mean, you have seen her. Isn’t she the cutest filly you ever saw?”

“Well, I could think of a cuter one,” Celestia said, bending down and nuzzling her cheek against her niece’s.

“Aw, thank you, Aunty. But now I think I need something to eat. I am starving.” Together, they continued to the banquet hall for breakfast.

^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^

Shining was just finishing the last touches for his family breakfast when his parents entered, Twilight on his mother’s back.

“Morning, son. Ah, I see you prepared breakfast. Perfect. I could use some cereal. I am starving,” his father said, rubbing one eye with a hoof before taking his coffee mug and filling it to the brim.

“Did you think about the extra soft hay for Twily?” his mother asked, placing Twilight in her high chair. Shining nodded, placing a little bowl in front of his sister and giving her a nuzzle. Velvet smiled before beginning to feed her foal with the hay. “Thank you for making us breakfast. You thought about everything. Eggs, coffee, hay, honey, jam and even - what do you want?”

“Well mom, I thought about something. You both know how much Cadence likes Twilight, right? Right. Well, how about we let her foalsit Twilight from today on?” Velvet and Night Light exchanged a quick glance.

“Well, Shining,” his father started. “I know how much Cadence likes Twily and you, and I know how much you like her, but remember, she’s still a princess. I doubt a Princess of Equestria would do so much as foalsit.

“But dad, can’t we at least ask her?” His parents again looked at each other before simultaneously giving a sigh.

“Alright, you can ask her. But today you will foalsit your sister.”

“ALRIGHT! Thanks, mom and dad. You’re the best!” With that, Shining sprinted up to his room to prepare for school. Velvet just shook her head before continuing to feed Twilight.

“Open wide, Twily, here comes the Equestria Express. Choo Choo!” she said, “driving” the spoon into her daughter’s waiting muzzle. Twilight giggled with her snout open, sending hay flying everywhere. Velvet smiled, cleaning up her daughter. “You sure are a messy little foal sometimes, are you not, my little pony?” she asked, earning a slight giggle from the foal. Just in this moment, she heard a whoosh behind her, telling her that Shining was back and almost out for school.

“GoodbyeTwilyandmomanddadloveyougottago!” he rambled before hurrying out of the door.

“Don’t forget to ask her if she would like to come to our family dinner this evening,” his father called after him.

“WILLDOBYE!” Shining answered, already galloping towards the school building.

^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^

Five minutes later he arrived at his school, out of breath but gung-ho to tell Cadence about her chance of foalsitting Twilight. He knew the young princess wanted nothing more than to spend time with his baby sister whom she thought of as “the most adorable filly ever,” and having her over would mean they could spend some quality time, as well. Encouraged, he began searching the school for the young princess. He found her in the school yard, sitting under the canopy of the old oak; her favorite reading spot. She was surrounded by flowers of all kinds and colors blossoming on the lush grass, permeating the air with their rich scent. The old oak moved slightly under the gentle breeze; the leaves in its old, strong branches playing the tune of nature. Cadence lay, her face slightly scrunched in concentration, as she read a book about modern Equestria’s economic system, her mane and tail gently floating in the wind. She was humming a soft tune, unaware of the birds and woodland creatures that stood by, listening to the Princess’ song. It seemed as if nature itself was halting, the rustling of the leaves accentuating her melody.

Wow, she is… amazing, Shining thought, rooted to the spot and a goofy smile on his face. Remembering his intent, he shook his head and stepped up to Cadence, just as she was finishing her song, the animals dispersing upon noticing him. Looking up, she smiled when she saw Shining approach, stowing away the book in her saddlebag.

“Hey Cadence, guess what?” Shining said, stepping up to her.

“Hi Shining. What’s up?” Cadence asked, eyeing him curious.

“I have two things to say. And the second announcement is gonna put you in a flurry. First, my parents would like to invite you to our family meeting this evening. Are you in?”

“How come they want me at a family meeting?” Shining went rigid. How in the world was he going to explain that Cadence was invited so his mother could annoy his grandmother Dazzle? Sighing, he decided to go for the truth.

“Well, my mom and my dad’s mom can’t stand each other, since my grandmother Dazzle thinks that my mother is a mere peasant not worthy of my father, so Mom thought it would show her when the niece of Princess Celestia herself came to our house,” he told her, his cheeks warming uncomfortably. “I’m sorry,” he added, looking to the ground in shame. He raised his head, though, when he heard her giggle.

“Your grandmother sure sounds like a real nice pony. She could be the perfect female Blueblood,” she laughed, starting to walk inside, with Shining in tow. “I like your mother’s plan, though. Count me in!” Shining watched her bemused before joining in her laughter.

“But,” Cadence suddenly said, regaining his attention. “You said you wanted to tell me something else.”

“Right. Well, I talked to my parents this morning, regarding a foalsitter for Twilight. And since I know how much you’d like to be her foalsitter, I asked my parents if they were okay with you watching over Twily, and they agreed with it. So, would you likAAGH!” Shining had to stop as Cadence had grabbed him and was holding him in a rib-crushing hug.

“Oh, Shining, are you crazy? OF COURSE I would like to foalsit her. I would LOVE to!” Feeling a tapping on her shoulder, she looked at Shining, noticing that he had turned an unhealthy shade of red-blueish. Letting go, she let Shining take a few gasping breaths before she continued. “When will I start?”

“Well,” Shining started before starting to cough again. Taking in a deep breath, he continued. “Today my parents want me to foalsit her. But I guess you can start next time.”

“Aww, you’re gonna foalsit her? Are you sure you’re up to it?” Cadence asked mischievously. Shining shot her an unamused look.

“Just you wait, princess. In fact, you should come and watch me. You’ll learn something for sure.” Cadence shoved him, laughing as she did. Shining joined in to her laughter and shoved her back, although too strong, causing her to stagger before falling to her side. “SORRYSORRYSORRY!” Shining gibbered, rushing to her side and offering her a hoof.

“It’s alright, relax,” Cadence replied, taking the hoof and getting up.

“Are you sure? Did you hurt anything?”

“No, Shining, everything is alright, thank you,” she said, smiling at him. Shining let out a breath he hadn’t realized he had been holding in. Humbly looking down he noticed that Cadence was still holding his hoof. Blushing, he looked up into her face again, noticing that she was blushing as well.

“Step away from the princess, peasant!” a voice suddenly yelled, startling them both and driving them apart. Looking down the hallway, Shining noticed a white unicorn his age with a golden mane and a blue bow tie flanked by two brutish looking unicorns walking up to them. Alerted, he stepped forth, standing between Cadence and the trio.

“What do you want, Blueblood?” he asked, taking an offensive stance. The trio stopped three hoofsteps away from them. Shining noticed that the brutes, probably Blueblood’s newest bodyguards, were taking an aggressive stance as well, letting their necks crack while staying close to their charge.

“That’s Prince Blueblood to you, peasant. And I want you to keep away from the princess. I won’t let you spoil her and taint her royal status with your uncouth demeanor.” Shining groaned. He had heard Blueblood tell him this at least fifty times. It was like the prince didn’t want to understand that Cadence thought him to be a spoiled, arrogant, no-good brat. So of course it wasn’t a surprise when she stepped forth, an annoyed expression on her face.

“Go away Blueblood. You are getting on my nerves. I told you before that it’s not your business who I decide to spend my time with.”

“But Cadenza, please, you’ve got to see reason,” Blueblood replied, switching from his brisk tone to one he obviously thought fawning. “Can’t you see that he," Blueblood said as he pointed to Shining. "Is bad company? Why don’t you come with me? Think about it: we could take a ride through Canterlot’s noble neighborhood in my carriage, dine with the nobles, and even go shopping on Hurricane Boulevard. I could show you the advantages of living the life like a princess should. And my… friends here would deal with this peasant. Come on, why don’t you just say yes and let me do the rest?” Blueblood asked, trying to take her hoof. Cadence backed away from him.

“Just who do you think you are?” Cadence asked, disgust evident in her voice. “You come here, insult Shining, try to charm me into abandoning a friend and even threaten him with physical violence. You’re a disgrace to Aunt Celestia and the whole royal family. And now get lost!” Blueblood flinched in shock, not expecting her to behave like this. Regaining his composure, he shot her a mean look, snarling as he did.

“How dare you?! How dare you insult me in such a preposterous way? And in front of this dense peasant? Why, I ought to – “ He didn’t get any further as he and his goons were suddenly lifted into the air and thrown into the dumpster outside the window. Cadence whirled around to see Shining with his horn fizzling out, a smug grin on his face.

“Not so bad, huh? Looks like the ‘dense peasant’ thought you a lesson or two, Prince Blueblood,” he said, slamming the container’s lid closed with a spark. “I hope for you that you’ll leave Cadence alone in the f –“

“SHINING ARMOR SPARKLE!” Shining ducked his head, his ears falling back as he turned around to see his teacher, Mrs. Heartstrings, running towards them.

“Oh horseapples!” Shining cursed under his breath.

“Shining Armor! What in the wide world of Equestria were you thinking?” Mrs. Heartstrings asked with a stern face, opening the container and floating the trio back into school.

“HOW DARE YOU?! That will have utter consequences! I will have you thrown out of this school!” Blueblood screamed.

“Now, my Prince, I ask you to let me handle this.”

“NO! This has gone on for far too long now. It’s time he got what he deserved! As for you,” he turned, fixing Shining,” you can forget about becoming a royal guard.” Shining started to shiver. As prince, real or not, Blueblood had not only the permission to expulse him from school, but also the authority to ban ponies from becoming staff of royalty. It looked as if his little prank not only cost him his education, but also his future.

Try explaining THAT to mom, he thought bitterly. Frightened, he looked back to Mrs. Heartstrings, who looked deep in thought. Raising her head, she addressed him again.

“Well, Shining Armor, since the Prince’s authority surpasses mine, I have no alternative but to expel y –“

“NO!” Cadence suddenly interjected. Everypony present looked at her, Shining hopeful, Blueblood and his goons fuming, Mrs. Heartstrings confused. “With MY authority, I forbid this reprimand of Shining Armor. Furthermore, I take the blame for the situation with Blueblood. He did what he did in order to protect me, like a real bodyguard should,” she said, looking over at Blueblood’s goons who seemed to deflate a little. “As for Shining’s future as a royal guard,” she continued, this time focusing on Blueblood, “this is Princess Celestia’s matter to decide, not yours. And she already said that she would personally see him becoming a member of the Guard.”

“YOU take the blame for this insolent cad? How can you disgrace your royal heritage like that?” Blueblood exclaimed incredulously, fretting and fuming.

“Loyalty to your friends isn’t a disgrace; it’s what matters the most, more than blood or status. If it was, I would happily give up my title and live as one of those – how do you call them again? – ‘peasants,’ dear cousin. As for my heritage: At least mine is based on real royalty, and not a pity one.” Blueblood looked as if he was gonna burst, his face as red as a tomato.

“Why, you… little… Princess Celestia will DEFINITELY hear about this!” he fumed.

“She will, then,” Cadence simply replied, eyeing him with utter loathing. He shot her a disgusted look before turning around and stomping away, only to slip and fall over a banana peel that had fallen from his head.

“GUARDS! CARRY YOUR PRINCE TO HIS BATH!” he screamed, his guards wincing and lifting him before running off. Cadence watched them go for a short while before turning to Mrs. Heartstrings.

“I think that was everything?” she asked friendly. Mrs. Heartstrings watched her, still confused, before shaking her head to clear her thoughts.

“Well, yes, we did, I think, I mean I guess I think,” she rambled. Turning to Shining, she added “But still be warned, Shining Armor. You can’t go and pull off such things with Prince Blueblood. He’s a royal. Just stay away from him.”

“But ma’am, he came to us. He always bugs us, especially Cadence. He always annoys her because she’s friends with me.” Mrs. Heartstrings rubbed her temples. She had heard this before. Indeed it was common knowledge Blueblood and Shining Armor despised each other to no end, probably because both cast an eye on her at least a little bit, or because of Blueblood’s arrogance regarding his royal status. She had seen many occasions where Blueblood and Shining would pick on each other or throw insults and didn’t really know what to do. Sure, Blueblood was a prince and as such had the authority to do what he pleased, even fire her, but he was such a spoiled brat that she found herself daydreaming about spanking his hide till it glowed scarlet so he would finally know his boundaries. On the other hoof, Shining, while being a top student, especially when it came to magic, was a huge troublemaker. Before she could answer, however, Cadence interjected again.

“Don’t worry, Mrs. Heartstrings, this is not your burden to bear. I shall talk to my aunt and see how we can solve this situation.” Mrs. Heartstrings sighed in relief at having that duty taken away from her. Smiling, she dropped into a deep bow.

“As you wish, princess,” she said, before standing up again and turning to go. “Don’t be late for class, you two,” she added, looking over her shoulder before nodding at them and going back to the faculty lounge. Shining watched her go, waiting until she was out of earshot before turning to Cadence… just in time to receive a royal face slap. Recoiling in shock, he stood there, dumbfounded, seeing a very angry looking Cadence, any hint of that friendly smile gone.

“What by my Aunt’s sun WERE YOU THINKING?!” she yelled, just faint enough as to not alert their teacher again.

“Well… I thought… it would look funny… and… I… didn’t…” he stammered in response, holding his cheek.

“Funny? FUNNY?! Tell me, Shining Armor, how funny does ‘no graduation’ sound? Or ‘no job?’ Don’t you EVER do something like that again! Even if it was a little funny,” she said, her last statement reversing all hints of a reproach. Shining Armor grinned.

“Told you!” he sang, earning a scowl from Cadence. “Anyway,” he continued, as to not anger Cadence further,"thank you very much. You surely saved my flank. I don’t wanna know what my mother would have done to me.” Cadence immediately relaxed.

“No problem at all. Think of it as a ‘thank you for making me Twilight’s foalsitter’ present.”

“What do you think Blueblood will do now? You’re not in trouble, are you?” Shining asked, concerned.

“No, I’ll be fine. Celestia knows you, and she knows Blueblood. Maybe I can bring her to reprimanding Blueblood for bugging us.”

“That would be awesome. Just think of it: Princess Celestia of Equestria ordering Prince Pest to stop annoying us. I dream of the day to come. I think I would propose to her,” Shining said, laughing.

“That would certainly be a new one,” Cadence answered, joining in to his laughter. “Come on, now, let’s get to class.” Together, they made their way to the classroom while imagining Blueblood being blocked from them by royal decree.

^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^

Velvet had finished feeding her daughter and was now preparing a daisy sandwich when her husband arose.

“Well, I should get going,” he said, grabbing his suitcase.

“Have a nice day, honey,” Velvet said, floating the sandwich into a box next to an apple and giving both to Night Light. “And remember, you have to leave early today, or we won’t be able to prepare for our get-together tonight.”

“Don’t worry, I’ll be here faster than a Wonderbolt,” he said, giving her an Eskimo kiss. Velvet smiled, nuzzling him back in return. He went over to Twilight, who had discovered that an empty bowl was the perfect musical instrument for a foal her age. She had turned it upside down and was now delightedly drumming on it with a foal fork. Grinning, he nuzzled her head. She looked up from her drumming and smiled, offering the fork to him. He picked it up in his magic and proceeded to tap it on the bowl a few times, making Twilight squeal and clap her hooves in joy. Laughing, he levitated the fork back to his daughter, who picked it up and hit the bowl harder than before.

“Well, I’ll be on my way. Have a nice day,” he called, picking up his suitcase and exiting the house.

^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^

“Well Twily, since your brother is in school and your daddy at work, we have the whole morning to ourselves,” Velvet said, taking the fork away from Twilight, levitating her out of her high stool and placing her on her back. Sniffing, she grimaced and looked back at her daughter, who gave her a most innocent look, her eyes glistening a little mischievously. “First, you need a bath and a new diaper,” she said, trotting up the stairs. Hurriedly, she started filling the tub and freed her daughter of the old diaper, not even taking the time to levitate it over to the trash can, but directly teleporting it inside. Shaking her head, she stopped the water and levitated Twilight and her rubber duck into the tub.

“How can one little filly be so stinky?” she asked her daughter, incredulous. Twilight smiled innocently, pushing her duck around, babbling to herself. Velvet watched her play, carefully lathering and cleaning her before taking her out and placing her on her towel, gently rubbing her dry. Content with her work, she proceeded to give her foal a new diaper before she levitated her on her back again.

“Well, now that you’re clean, what do you want to do?” Velvet asked her daughter, walking down the stairs and into the living room. Twilight looked around before clapping her hooves together.

“Baba!” she exclaimed, pointing to her toy box. Velvet walked up to it and placed her on the foal blanket in front of it. Twilight rose onto her hind hooves, holding herself on the box, and stuck her head into the box. Velvet stood above her daughter, ready to take out what the foal wanted to play with. Twilight dug a hoof into the box, pushing around some toys.

“Da!” she suddenly exclaimed, pointing to a bucket containing ABC – Blocks.

“So, you want the blocks, huh? Good idea, that way we can practice talking,” Velvet said, taking the bucket’s handle between her teeth and placing it on the blanket. Twilight clapped her hooves together and sat down, pulling the bucket towards her. Velvet sat opposite of her daughter and started emptying the bucket. She picked up a few blocks in her magic and arranged them, creating a word for Twilight to learn. With a critical eye, she shifted the blocks around a bit until they were perfectly strung.

“Now, Twily, this word means ‘Daddy’. Can you say daddy?” she asked, smiling encouragingly. Twilight tilted her head to the side, looking at her quizzically, her ears perked.
“Come on Twily, say ‘Daddy,” Velvet encouraged. Twilight slowly opened her mouth. Velvet leaned in in excitement, looking at her daughter expectantly.

“D… Da… Dada!”

“Great job, Twily,” Velvet exclaimed, nuzzling her daughter’s head. Twilight giggled at the contact, holding onto her mother’s foreleg for a moment. Smiling, Velvet put the blocks away and picked up new ones. “Now, this word means ‘Mommy’. Try saying mommy for your… err… mommy,” she finished, giggling slightly.

“M… M… M…”

“Come on, mommy knows you can do it. Just say ‘Mommy’ once.”

“M… M… Mrrlllb!” Twilight suddenly called, blowing a raspberry before laughing in glee. She picked up a block and proceeded to bash it to the floor.

“Nonono, Twilight, don’t do that,” Velvet said, pushing the block away from the floor.

“Dadada!” Twilight called out, pulling the block closer and trying to gnaw on it.

“No, don’t do that, either!” Velvet ordered, taking the block away from her daughter. Twilight looked at her mother, tears brimming in her eyes. “Oh, Twily, don’t do that. I know you’re teething, but you can’t gnaw on everything. It’s not healthy, especially not with wooden blocks. Oh, don’t look so sad. You know what happens when you look so sad; the TICKLE MONSTER ATTACKS!” Velvet called, tackling her little filly and proceeding to rub her belly. Twilight squealed under the attack of her mother, tears of joy flowing from her eyes. Velvet laughed as she rubbed her hooves up and down her daughter’s ticklish underside. Twilight writhed on the ground like a worm, trying her best and failing to defend her belly against her mother’s fiendish attack. Velvet was applying enough pressure on her as to hold her in place, so she was helpless against her mother’s shenanigans. Smiling, Velvet stopped her attack on her daughter, but not without giving her foal a raspberry on the belly. She stepped back and sat down on her haunches, allowing her daughter some room. Twilight, still giggling lightly, stood up and made a few wobbly steps towards her mother, only to drop into Velvet’s lap and snuggle into her fur lovingly.

“Oh, my little filly, you are such a snuggle bear,” Velvet laughed, pulling her daughter into her forelegs and hugging her to her chest, nuzzling her cheek against her daughter’s. Looking up from her foal, Velvet noticed it was already ten-thirty am. “Oh my, look at the time, Twily. It’s time for us to start preparing lunch.” Twilight looked up at her quizzically, not understanding the contraption hanging on the wall. Noting her daughter’s confused look, Velvet smiled before standing up and placing the child on her back. “Don’t worry, I will teach you how a clock works once you’re old enough. For now, let’s concentrate on cooking your brother and father a delicious meal,” she said, prancing to the kitchen at a brisk pace, much to her daughter’s enjoyment, who was bouncing up and down with each step.

^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^

“… and that is how my grandfather, an ancestor of Commander Hurricane himself, fought off a whole battalion of griffons and saved Canterlot using only his mind and 300 sticks of butter,” Mr. Grumpyfeathers, the weathered history teacher, concluded another one of his most boring stories about his oh-so-great ancestors. While his friends Dusk Shine and Cadence were following every word of the old Pegasus, Dusk Shine with rapt attention and awe etched onto his face, Shining fought the urge to doze off.

How many stories about his oh-so great ancestors do we have to hear? He mentally asked before letting his drooping eyes wander through the classroom. He watched his classmates and their mixed reactions to the boring lesson. He watched as Lyra Heartstrings, daughter of his teacher and his father’s boss, floated little pieces of paper between herself, Moondancer and Amethyst Star. When Amethyst Star noticed Shining staring at them, she started blushing furiously before turning away, her cheeks burning crimson, while her friends snickered behind their hooves. Shining rolled his eyes. He knew that Amethyst Star had a crush on him, but although he had told her off, nicely of course, she always tried to woo him. Her friends, instead of stopping her and letting her avoid the eventual heartbreak always encouraged and supported her by trying to persuade him to go on a date with her, much to Cadence’s gloating. Thinking about Cadence, Shining averted his gaze from the now vigorous whispering trio to the alicorn princess. She was listening to Mr. Grumpyfeathers’ story, occasionally taking notes. The longer he watched, the better Shining could read her expression. While seemingly listening attentively, he, being a long-time friend of her, could see the boredom in her eyes, a boredom just like his own.

Well, would you look at that. She really got that ‘Royal Attentiveness’-thing she told me Princess Celestia is a master of. But I can read you like a book, Cadenza. Yeah, you better watch out, ‘cause Special Agent Shining Armor always knows what his opposite is thinking. You can’t deceive him at all! You thought your dress and the dance on this ball would be enough to veil your true colors, for you are the greatest thief in history, notorious for stealing the crown of the high deity of the sun, Princess Celestia herself! Seemingly noticing Shining was starring at her, Cadence looked over to him, noticing the distant look in his eyes and the drool dripping from the corner of his muzzle.

Great, he’s started daydreaming again. Probably his dumb ‘Special Agent Shining’ thing. As soon as the teacher turned to face the chalkboard, Cadence crumpled a piece of paper into a ball and lifted it in her magic, sending it directly at Shining’s head. She watched him start, smacking his books off the table. Ponyfeathers!

“Ah, Mr. Sparkle, great to see that at least a minimum of your consciousness is with us today,” Mr. Grumpyfeathers grumbled, stepping up to the poor colt. “Let’s see of how much of my lesson it was aware of. How was my grandfather rewarded for defending Canterlot against the griffons?”

“Um… with bread to go with the sticks of butter?” The whole class snickered at Shining’s comment, but stopped almost instantly at the look the old Pegasus shot them.

“Very funny, Mr. Sparkle. That calls for a reward. How does detention sound?”

“Not too good, Sir.”

“A pity. Tomorrow, 2pm to 5pm. No backtalk!”

“Yes, Sir…” Shining muttered sadly, just as the bell rang.

“Class dismissed. See you the day after tomorrow, students. And see YOU tomorrow, Mr. Sparkle.” Shining picked up his books and followed his classmates outside and out of the building, his glance cast down.

Great. Just great! Not only did I get into a scuffle with Blueblood AGAIN, but now I have detention as well! Mom will be VERY happy, he thought bitterly.

“FINALLY, there you are!” Shining looked up to see Amethyst Star and her friends stepping up to him.

Perfect. Just what I needed… “Girls, please leave me alone. I’ve got other things to worry about.”

“Oh, but Shining, we’re only here to cheer you up,” Moondancer said. ”We thought you could use some cheering up since Cadence – ” she spat the name like it was filth staining her tongue,” – got you detention.”

“What do you mean with ‘Cadence got me detention’?”

“What I mean? Didn’t you notice the paper ball she threw at your head? The one that made you start? It’s like she wanted you to get detention.”

“She… what?” Shining stumbled over his words, trying and failing to process the accusation.

“And the smile she wore when you were reprimanded. She enjoyed letting you suffer!”

“She… did?” he asked appalled.

“Shining?” a voice sounded behind them. Shining turned around to see Cadence standing in the doorway, a worried expression on her face. The girls around him hissed, glaring daggers at the princess.

“What do YOU want, Princess?” Amethyst Star spat. “Haven’t you already done enough damage? Go away!” Cadence’s eyes widened in shock before narrowing to slits, her facial expression hardening immediately.

“You know, I could incarcerate you for your insolence,” she said menacingly,” but you’re not even worth the effort. So if you could just go away and let me talk with Shining.”

“He doesn’t want to talk to YOU, though. I mean, why would he? You caused him enough trouble!”

“Shining, please, could we just talk without them?” Cadence asked.

“Why should I talk to YOU?! Because of you, I got into trouble with Blueblood, Mrs. Heartstrings AND Old Grumps on ONE day! I always get into trouble thanks to you! You are the WORST friend anypony could have!”

“Sh…Shining…please,” Cadence pleaded, tears brimming her eyes.

“Didn’t you hear what he said? He doesn’t want to talk to you! Get lost!” Moondancer yelled. Cadence started to whimper as the tears started to flow down her cheeks. Moondancer eyed her disgustedly. “Come on, Shining, let’s get away from her.”

“Just LEAVE ME ALONE, all of you!” Shining shouted, turning around and galloping away from the huffing trio and the teary-eyed Cadence

“Shining, WAIT! I’M SORRY!” she sobbed, bolting right after him. As soon as she was out of earshot, Lyra ruthlessly laughed.

“Don’t worry, Star, soon he’ll see that he’s better off with you,” she said, winking at her magenta friend.

^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^

Shining slowed down to a slow pace. He had brought enough distance between himself and the school to be alone with his thoughts. Looking around himself, he noticed he had run into Canterlot Park. Sighing, he trotted over to the pond before lying down in the grass.

That sure went swimmingly, he thought bitterly, not only did I manage to get in trouble TWICE on one day, but I also told off my dearest friend. He looked into the water, lost in thought when he heard hoofsteps approaching. Turning his head, he saw Cadence approaching him. He turned his attention back to the water, avoiding her gaze. She neared him before sitting down a few hoofsteps away.

“Sh… Shining… ?” she said. He noticed her pleading tone and turned his head back towards her. He saw her tear-soaked face and her red, puffy eyes and his heart gave a lurch as if he was falling down a cliff. “Sh… Shining? I… I’m… I’m sorry…” she stammered before breaking down again, tears streaming down her face. “P…please… please don’t h-hate me.” Shining watched her cry, his mouth hanging open, his eyes wide, unable to utter a single word.

Well done, bonehead! You just made your very best friend cry. Only because you blamed her for your own stupidity.Shaking his head, he stood up and walked over to the sniveling princess before sitting down in front of her. He lifted his hooves and scooped her up in a tight hug, letting her sob into his shoulder. She grabbed him as if her life depended on it, her tears wetting the fur on his shoulder. After what seemed like eternity, he gently pushed her up, holding her at leg’s length.

“Cadence. I’m so, so sorry. I don’t know what came over me, but please remember one thing: no matter what I say, no matter what others say or do, you are the BEST friend I could ever hope to have. Please forgive me for being so foalish.” Cadence, though still with misty eyes, smiled before hugging him again.

“Of course I forgive you, but only if you forgive me for causing you trouble again.”

“It’s worth getting into trouble if it means being your friend.” Cadence nodded into his shoulder. They stayed like that for a while, basking in the warmth of their friendship before Shining heard the belfry striking 12pm and pulled away again. “Alright, I’ve got to go home and watch Twilight. Will you be there with us this evening?”
“Of course I will. I promised you I would come.”

“Awesome. Well, then we’ll see each other tonight.” Cadence nodded and stood, stretching her wings and turning to the direction of the castle. As if just remembering, Shining added: “As for the doom trio,they deserve to be punished.” Cadence turned her head and locked eyes with him. Shining could see mischief gleaming in hers.

“Let me take care of that,” she said before turning again, flapping her wings and flying off to the castle. Shining shook his head, grinning in gleeful anticipation before starting to walk home.

^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^

“… And that, my fair Princess, is why we should accept the griffon’s quotation,” Fancy Pants, her young financial adviser, concluded with a serious expression which she matched wholly. Financial Business and Trading were serious matters, and unlike most other courts, which were necessary, but unbelievable boring, and which she most zoned off through, Celestia had listened to him with rapt attention. There were few things in court which had her full attentiveness, with the others, for example, being the Defense of the Equestrian Borders and Trading was definitely one. It tended to strengthen peace and was the fundament for treaties, but if handled incorrectly could easily start wars. Celestia pondered his words for a while. It was not an easy feat to do, but she knew that, should she decline, it would heavily burden the relations with Gryphonia. She would let nothing interrupt this serious matter. After a while, though, she began to smile.

“Well, Fancy Pants, I’ve come to a conclusion. Let the Gryphons know – “

“BITE ME, BLUEBLOOD! I DON’T CARE WHO YOU THINK YOU ARE, BUT I’M GONNA MAKE YOUR PLOT GET KICKED! NOW MOVE!” Fancy Pants spun around and eyed the double doors to the throne room, his muzzle wide open in shock, unsure of what would happen next. The other ponies present matched him, aghast at the vulgarity in Cadence’s voice. Celestia just raised a hoof to her head and rubbed her forehead.

“Oh, what did these ponies do this time?” she asked nopony in particular.

^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^
Ten minutes prior

Cadence bid Shining farewell before stretching her wings. It had been too long since she had taken a little flight around Canterlot. A mischievous smile on her face, she jumped into the air and began pumping her powerful wings. Closing her eyes, she soared through a stray cloud and let its mist cover her face. Up here, she felt carefree and fully relaxed, as opposed to staying on the ground, which felt to her like being confined. Celestia had explained to her that her mother, Luna, had also always preferred the sky, even going so far as to shaping her beautiful night sky while airborne, which, according to her Aunty, gave it its smooth, fluent appearance.
Remembering her aunt’s words as well as the hard work her mother had put into making the night as magnificent as it was, Cadence couldn’t keep herself from losing a few tears. It felt unfair and painful to her to know that all her mother had done, all the kindness and love and happy spirit her mother had emanated, hadn’t earned her the least bit of appreciation. In fact, the ponies of her time had loathed her for bringing an end to Celestia’s beautiful day as well as shrouding the world in shadows, which they deemed evil and imperfect.
She suddenly became aware of the reason of her existence. Her mother had formed her from her magic and her soul to become a pony that she could care for and show to the love she never got. A child to raise and mold. Blinking her tears away, Cadence smiled at her mother’s intensions.

I’ll make sure to be the best daughter a mother could wish for. I promise, she thought. The small smile still on her lips, she banked to the right before flying through a window and landing in a corridor that led right to Celestia’s throne room. As soon as she approached it, however, her smile dropped to be replaced by an angry frown. There, standing next to the giant double doors, his nose held high, was Blueblood, watching a cleaning mare down at his hooves.

“Gosh, can’t you work any faster? I can’t bear to look at something as revolting as this any longer, or at the mess on the floor,” he snidely remarked, eyeing the mare with disgust. The mare whimpered, her lower lip trembling as she tried to clean the floor of the rest of what appeared to be an apple fritter.

“I’m s…sorry my p…prince,” she stammered, tears forming in her eyes. “I…I’m really trying my h…hardest.”

“Th…then t…try…harder. Use your tears,” he mocked her, laughing mercilessly as the mare began to silently cry.

“Blueblood,” Cadence hissed, a dangerous look crossing her features, stepping up to the ponies. “Get. Away. From. Her.” Blueblood gave her a sideways glance, scoffing at who approached him.

“Well, look who we have here. The soon-to-be ex-princess.”

“I.Said.Get.Away.From.Her,” Cadence repeated, seething with anger.

“Why should I? We’re having so much fun right now. Isn’t that right, you ugly, dirty peasant?” he asked pitiless. The mare began to cry harder, her whole body quaking with her sobs.

“I’m warning you, Blueblood. Get away from her, or else –“

“Else WHAT? What…are you… going to… dooooooo?” he asked, suddenly becoming very nervous as he, for the first time, focused wholly on her. He noticed with fear in his eyes that she was changing. Her coat, while under normal circumstances a light pink, darkened a few shades. Her horn elongated and her wings and body seemed to grow longer. But what frightened him the most were her eyes. Normally violet, round orbs, they seemed, like her coat, have to darkened a few shades as well and had changed a bit of their form, becoming slitted.

Foalish insect! How dare'th thou to oppose thine princess? Dost thou not know thine place? Maybe it is time that somepony showed thou! This time be warned! Should’st thou EVER commit such an atrocity again, We shall see’eth that thine punishment will be not a thing short of SEVERE! Hast thou understood? Blueblood winced at the booming voice, but noticed Cadence hadn’t even once moved her lips. He realized that this verbal lashing was intended solely for him. Swallowing hardly, he gave a curt, stiff nod. Cadence’s eyes flashed once more, her body immediately changing to its former state. Blueblood reeled back as she approached the mare before lying down next to her.

“Shh, relax, it's alright. Don't listen to what this load of horseapples is saying,” she soothed, gently rubbing the mare's back with a hoof. It was truly an bewildering sight to behold: Princess Mi Amore Cadenza, niece to Princess Celestia herself, but only a few years older than the average foal, calming a full grown service mare. On any other occasion, Blueblood would continue to bullying the mare while scoffing about Cadence's unroyal behavior, but with the threat uttered by her confusing other form, he dared not even curse under his breath.

What in Equestria just happened with her? How did she change?To WHAT did she change herself?How in–

“But he's right, isn't he?!” the mare suddenly wailed, breaking Blueblood out of his train of thought. “No stallion would EVER even think of looking at me,” she continued, head hanging. “I have to accept the truth: I'm too ugly to be loved.”

“Now hold on just a minute, there, missy!” The mare's head spun to the left, as Cadence's exclamation had startled her out of her self-pity. She noticed the Princess of Love was staring down on her with a resolute mien. “Just because you haven't found the right stallion yet, AND just because this bunch of manure-” she shot Blueblood a withering glance which let him recoil and back even further to the wall “- is being the idiot he always is, doesn't. mean. that. you. aren’t. beautiful” she finished, reinforcing her words with poking the mare in the chest with a hoof.

“Do… do you really mean that?” the mare asked, shyly looking up and meeting the princess’ gaze. She noticed the princess staring down at her with a benevolent smile on her face.

“Of course I do. I can feel your doubt, though. Maybe you didn’t find a stallion yet because you lack the confidence to just walk up to one?” Cadence asked, an idea already forming in her mind.

“Well, maybe I could be a little more assertive,” the mare said, ears drawn back and smiling a little.

“There you have it. But don’t worry. As a princess, it is my highest duty to make sure my ponies are content and happy. So I will teach you everything I know about love, and before you know it, stallions will be lining up to kiss your hoof.”

“I – I couldn’t ask you to do that. I’ll just wait until I have as much luck as my sister. She’s even more shy than me, and she found a very nice stallion and they have a beautiful foal.”

“Nonsense! I’d be delighted to,” Cadence exclaimed happily. “But first I’d like to know your name, though,” she continued, offering a hoof.

“Oh – oh of course Your Highness! My name is Shimmering Shy, but most ponies call me Shimmy Shy,” the Pegasus mare replied with a smile, carefully shaking the princess’ hoof.

“It’s nice to meet you. Well, I’d love to continue chatting, but I really have to talk to my aunt. If you could find the time, we could meet next week, same time, in the gardens?”

“That sounds lovely. I have to check if I have to work that day, though.”

“No problem. I’ll just talk with your superior and make sure that you’re free at that time.”

“Really? Oh, you’re the best, Princess. Well, I don’t want to detain you any longer, so I’ll be on my way. Again, thank you very much.” With that, Shimmering Shy turned around, sticking her tongue out to the neglected prince before trotting away. With the mare gone, Cadence turned to her cousin, her smile completely replaced by a scowl by now.

“And now, I’ll let Princess Celestia know of your doings,” she muttered menacingly, just loud enough for him to hear. He audibly gulped as she slowly approached him. “Annoying me, I can accept. Being mean to Shining Armor, I can endure. But being cruel to a mare as innocent as her? I will not allow you to. You will pay for your actions. And this time, you’re not getting away with a black eye. I’ll make sure that you will get the hardest punishment for what you have done. Now stand aside!”

“N-No. No!” Blueblood screeched three octaves too high, finding a bit of courage and standing in front of the double doors, blocking her path. “The P-Princess is holding court and I w-won’t allow somepony like you to d-disturb her. A-and when she’s done, I will let her k-know of your most uncouth behavior!”

“I said: stand aside!” Cadence grumbled as she stepped closer still.

“S-Stay back, you m-monster! You shall not pass!”

“I will not repeat myself,” Cadence hissed, standing almost muzzle to muzzle with him.

“As a m-member of the royal f-family, I command yo-“

“BITE ME, BLUEBLOOD! I DON’T CARE WHO YOU THINK YOU ARE, BUT I’M GONNA MAKE YOUR PLOT GET KICKED! NOW MOVE!” And with that, Cadence roughly shoved him aside with her magic and threw the double doors open, stepping into the thrown room, interrupting the court.

^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^

Celestia watched the doors to her throne room fly open, crashing into the walls, as an angry looking Cadence stomped over the threshold. Her brows furrowed into a concerned frown as she noticed that, apart from her outward anger, something seemed off with Cadence. She could sense a dark shadow lying over the young princess. Reaching out with her magic sense, she noticed a sliver of something she hadn’t felt in almost one thousand years. Worried, she glanced around, noticing the shocked and partly angry faces of the nobles present. Looking down at Fancy Pants, she noticed that he was half-turned around and watched the Royal Niece with a look of mild curiosity on his face. Clearing her throat, she ordered everypony’s attention back on herself.

“Well Fancy Pants, in light of this new… development, I shall call this meeting adjourned. Nevertheless, I would like you to inform the gryphons that I accept their proposal and would like to meet the gryphon in charge as to sign the treatise.”

“As you wish, my princess. I shall inform you as soon as I conversed with them,” Fancy Pants said, taking the princess’ hint and bowing respectfully.

“Good. Are there any questions?” she asked, looking around again and scanning the face of every assembled pony. To her immense relief, nopony seemed to take the offensive. “Very well, meeting adjourned.” She kept her composure as the nobles filed out of the throne room. As soon as the last hide disappeared through the doors however, Celestia jumped to her hooves and briskly trotted to where Cadence and Blueblood were standing, wings flared and an angered frown adorning her features.

“What in Equestria is WRONG with you two?! Explain yourselves!” she demanded, staring down on them. Cadence and Blueblood looked at each other for a second before starting simultaneously.

“Princess, she threatened and embarrassed me in front of common peasants and –“

“Aunty, he annoyed Shining and me again and only just HUMILIATED a staff mare in the worst way –“

“That’s not true and you know it! I just showed Sparkle and the mare their places and –“

“SHOWED them their PLACES?! You TORTURED this mare mentally and Shining. And what do you mean by ‘threatened’? You mean the way you and your goons threatened Shining? I think it’s time you –“

“TORTURED?! How dare you?! I only acted as a real member of the royal family should, but you don’t –“

“You?! A real member of the royal family? Don’t make me laugh! You’re just a –“

“A WHAT exactly?!”

“A spoiled, foalish brat!”

“WHAT?! I should –“

“SILENCE!” Celestia suddenly boomed, slipping into the Royal Canterlot Voice, startling Blueblood and Cadence and stopping their bickering. Taking a deep breath to calm her nerves, she looked at them admonishingly. “You are both acting like foals. I expected better, from both of you. Now, you will both tell me what bothers you about the other, ONE AT A TIME. Cadence, you may start. Stop whining, Blueblood, you will get your chance as well,” she groaned as Blueblood started complaining. Cadence stuck her tongue out at Blueblood before turning to Celestia and ducking her head in respect.

“Thank you Aunty,” she said before turning her head up and looking Celestia in the eyes. Remember, she prefers if her interlocutor keeps eye contact with her as she can tell if he’s lying. “Well Aunty, it all started this morning at school,” she began, explaining what had transpired this day, from the moment Blueblood and his goons had tried to intimidate Shining up to the moment where she had stopped Blueblood from tormenting Shimmering Shy, ‘accidentally’ forgetting what had happened between Shining and her after school. She doesn’t have to know it. It’s not like it directly affects Blueblood, after all.

Celestia had listened to everything her niece had told her. She knew that Cadence was holding back something, but chose to ignore it for now. “So Shining was already punished for his actions?” she waited for Cadence to nod before continuing. “Very well. Tell me how you dealt with Blueblood when he was, to use your word, ‘tormenting’ the staff mare.” Cadence shuffled her hoof at that, avoiding Celestia’s gaze.

“Well… I-I don’t know, to be honest. I only remember being very angry at Blueblood and ordering him to stop and the next moment he’s cowering against the door, looking as if he’d seen a ghost.”

“Yeah right. Likely story. Except for missing the part where you THREATENED MY LIFE!” Blueblood screeched, interrupting Cadence in her explanation.

Oh, for the love of – “Very well, Blueblood, explain your side of the situation.”

“Thank you, Your Highness, Princess Celestia of Equestria,” Blueblood crawled, bowing deep, thus missing Cadence and Celestia rolling their eyes. “As Princess Cadence correctly stated, I was in front of the Throne Room, awaiting Court’s end. I was passing my time enjoying a beignet aux pommes. Alas, through a negligence on my part, it dropped to the floor.” Blueblood took on a mien of great grief, as if somepony close had died. “To get rid of this ghastly mess, I assigned a cleaning mare. But she had the insolence to lie to my face about being ‘busy’, but apparently was just strutting around in what I assume was some peasant’s attire.”

“That was a TABLECLOTH she was carrying on her back, you –“

“Cadenza, please, do not interrupt,” Celestia admonished, ushering Cadence to silence with a hoof.

“Thank you, your Majesty. Well, as I was saying, I didn’t believe her and told her I’d get her fired if she didn’t do what I told her. I even forgave her for lying to me! Anyway, she got to work cleaning up my beignet. But she was working so slowly and sloppy that I had to urge her again and again to work decently. However, even then, she had the nerve to claim that she was trying her hardest. Just as I was lecturing her, Princess Cadenza flew in and began reprimanding me in front of the mare, completely undermining my authority. Reminding her of the actions that took place this morning, I advised her to stand back and let me handle care of things, showing her by the way how a true royal should behave.”

He now wore the mien of a chancellor, about to decide the fate of Equestria. “But instead of standing down, she threatened me.” His pose shrunk away as he showed the first real facial expression since he had started narrating: fear, truthful and pure was etched on his face. “That was the scariest thing I’ve ever witnessed,” he whispered, eyes wide open and breathing shallowly. “She… changed. I don’t know how, and I don’t know what she did, but she was… different. Unworldly even.”

“What do you mean, Blueblood?” Celestia asked, her chest clenching in anticipation and a distant dread.

“She… wasn’t herself anymore. Her appearance changed. Her coat got darker. She grew a few inches. Her horn and wings became taller. But the most frightening were her eyes. Her eyes… they became slitted. Like a dragon’s eyes. And when she spoke… It was Old Equish. And she talked in the Royal Canterlot Voice. But her lips didn’t move! It was like she was talking directly in my mind! I feared for my life! And just as suddenly as it came, it was gone again and she was off talking to the mare.” He shook his head as if to clear his thoughts before throwing a withering glare at Cadence. “She is a threat to Equestria, Your Highness! I request her be banned from our lands!”

Celestia contemplated Blueblood’s words as she watched him and Cadence trying to stare down each other. Old Equish?Slitted eyes… She gasped, her eyes widening, drawing their attention. Oh no. No! “Blueblood, for what you have done, you will serve as a staff pony tomorrow! Now leave, Cadence and I need to talk IMMEDIATELY!” With that, she turned away, motioning Cadence to follow her as she walked to the door next to her throne leading to the royal apartments.

“But, Your Highness...” Blueblood began, but before he could go on, the Princesses had already passed through the door, leaving him standing alone in the room. Great! Thank you veeeery much, Cadenza! Now I’ll have to be a dirty peasant for a whole day! Well, at least she’ll get her punishment now. Maybe she will be stripped of her powers or be locked away in a tower. Or maybe even both! Blueblood allowed himself to smirk in light of this new development as he too left, walking back to his house, giddy about what punishment Cadence would get.

^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^

Cadence trotted behind her aunt as she was led through the castle to the Sun Princess’ personal chamber. What is she going to do? She didn’t look TOO happy after all. And her silence isn’t a good sign either. And punishing Blueblood immediately without any form of contemplation and then just sending him away like that? Something is VERY wrong. Snapping out of her thoughts, Cadence noticed that they had reached the sun-emblazoned double doors leading to Celestia’s private bedroom. Two stallions stood at attention, bowing respectfully before opening the doors. The Princess stepped through without so much as a curt nod to the guards, with Cadence hot on her heels. As soon as the doors closed behind them, Celestia spun around, looking down at Cadence with eyes full of worry.

“Cadenza,” she began, carefully choosing her words. “I do not know how to approach this, so I will be straightforward: Cadenza, did you use Nightmare Magic against Blueblood?” Cadence reeled back in shock, her muzzle hanging open.

“N-No, no, I’d never do something like that. How could you think that?” Celestia watched her cautiously, trying to determine if she was honest with her.

“Because what Blueblood told us sounds to me like you were under the influence of the Nightmare.” She stepped forth and placed a comforting hoof on her niece’s withers.

“That’s a lie! I’d never… I couldn’t…I wouldn’t…” Cadence stammered, tears forming in the corners of her eyes.

“If that’s the case, let me check you. Only that way can we be one hundred percent sure.”

“Fine! I’m innocent and your spell shall prove it,” Cadence said, wiping her tears away and stepping back a bit. Celestia watched her before sighing and igniting her horn, working a quick scanning spell on her niece. She looked deep into her eyes as she searched for remnants of the dark art in her niece’s mind. Hmm, I can’t sense anything. Maybe Blueblood was exaggerating a bit. He tends to – wait, what’s this? Delving deeper, she concentrated harder, blanking out everything around her. Therefore, she didn’t notice the changes happening to Cadence. I think I found something. Yes! There it is. I… remember that magic. It’s… no. No, it can’t be. How did – a hiss broke her concentration. Regaining her senses, she shortly got a glimpse of Cadence’s eyes, which resembled that of a lizard, before her niece shook her head, apparently to clear her thoughts.

“Cadence,” Celestia slowly said, taking a careful step towards her.

“Ow, my head hurts. What happened?” Cadence asked, rubbing her temple with a hoof.

“It’s not as I thought. It’s worse.”

“W-What do you m-mean?” the young alicorn asked, fear evident in her voice.

“You were right. You weren’t using Nightmare Magic. You’re infected with it.” Cadence gasped. “And it only gets worse. It isn’t just any Nightmare Magic. It’s… Luna’s Nightmare Magic.”

“What? B-But why? How c-could she?”

“I think that a small part of her already was possessed when she created you. As of now, you only seem to get possessed by it when controlled by strong negative emotions, such as your anger for Blueblood or myself trying to pry into your mind.”

“What s-should I do now, Auntie?”

“Well, since this is a part of magic, we will start with you learning how to control it. Furthermore, since this magic is very dangerous, I fear I’ll have to forbid you to interact with others frequently, especially Blueblood and –“ she internally shook nervously, “– the Sparkles.”

“WHAT? But Auntie, the Sparkles invited me for dinner this evening! I even am allowed to foalsit their daughter in the future.”

“I’m sorry Cadenza, but this has to be done. These powers you possess are way to dangerous to be close to innocent ponies, especially foals.”

“But… NO! You can’t forbid me to see Shining and his sister!”

“This is my final verdict and you shall comply!”

“DON’T TREAT ME LIKE ONE OF YOUR DUMB COURT NOBLES!”

“ENOUGH! You will not undermine my authority! I’m responsible for your well-being as well as for all ponies in Equestria! And I won’t let anything endanger them!” Taking a deep breath, Celestia continued. “Cadence, I’m just worried about you. I’m your caretaker and –“

“BUT YOU’RE NOT MY MOTHER! STOP PRETENDING TO BE HER! IF YOU HAD TAKEN A LITTLE LESS CARE OF THE PONIES AND MORE OF MOTHER, SHE WOULDN’T HAVE TO ENDURE TARTARUS ON THE MOON!” Immediately after she had said this, Cadence regretted speaking the words. Celestia winced, her eyes widened and her wings flared before turning away.

“Leave.”

“A-Auntie, please, I-I’m sorry, I didn’t think –“

“Go. Away.” A golden aura opened the doors.

“Auntie, please, listen, don’t –“

“I said GO!” and with that Cadence was lifted in her aunt’s magic and thrown out of the room, skidding to the other side of the hall before the doors slammed shut. Jumping to her hooves, she ran to the doors before trying to pry them open with her magic, but to no avail.

“Auntie Celestia, PLEASE, I’m sorry,” she screeched, pounding her hooves on the wood, but getting no response. Turning around bitterly, she noticed the guards were watching her with bewildered faces. “I-it was my fault. When she comes, please tell her I’m incredibly sorry and wish to beg for her forgiveness.” She began walking away towards her own room, her head hanging in shame. The last thing she heard was a suppressed sob coming from Celestia’s chamber.

^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^

Meanwhile, Shining sat in his house’s kitchen, oblivious to the events in the castle as he was listening to his mother. Velvet was running around, balancing Twilight on her back while describing everything Shining needed to do.

“…and before feeding the milk to Twilight, make sure to test it on your leg. If it’s too cold, use your magic to heat it. If it’s too hot, just let it stand on the counter for a few minutes. And if you –“

“Mom, relax, I’ve got it under control. Shouldn’t you be going? I think, dad’s gonna die of boredom if you don’t go now.” Indeed, Night Light had been standing at the front door for the last twenty minutes, impatiently tapping his forehoof against the wooden floor. Velvet sighed before taking Twilight off her back and placing her in Shining’s lap.

“Alright, you’re right. We’ll be as quick as possible, don’t worry.” Quickly, she gave her son and daughter a chaste kiss on the forehead. “Have fun, you two and keep a look out on her, Shining.”

“Will do, mom, see you later,” Shining called as Velvet rushed to Night Light and they exited the house. “Now Twilight, it’s only you and me now, for the next two or three hours. I don’t know what mom’s so worried about, I’m sure we’ll have a great t –“ he stopped, noticing Twilight’s quivering lip and the tears in her eyes just as she started to cry, squealing loudly and trying to push Shining away.

“Oh dear…”

Foalsitting Fun

“Oh dear…,” Shining mumbled as he watched Twilight howling. “C-come now, Twily, i-it’s okay. Mommy won’t be gone very long, so please, stop crying.” Twilight looked at him for a second, considering his words, before seemingly thinking otherwise and continuing to cry even more loudly than before. “Oh, no, please, c-calm down. Here, how about I make some funny faces?” he offered, sticking a hoof into his muzzle, blowing up his cheeks and rolling his eyes. That managed to stop Twilight’s tears, even earning a small giggle. Shining grinned confidently. “You like that, huh? Well, I got a whole stock of funny faces just for you.”
He turned away, preparing a grimace for his sister. When he turned back, however, Twilight was gone.

“What the – ? Twily, where are you?” He began wandering around, becoming more nervous with each passing second. Oh Celestia, how in the world did this happen? Very good, Shining. Twelve seconds foalsitting your baby sister and you have already lost her. Oh, mom is going to kill me for sure this time! Where could – he was ripped from his thoughts by foal noises coming from the kitchen. Stepping through the doorway, he stopped dead in his tracks, his blood instantly turning to ice.Twilight was balancing on a chair, leaning against the kitchen counter. To make things worse, she was holding a knife in her fore hooves which she used to stab a tomato. Had the act not been very dangerous, it would have been cute to see the foal trying to imitate their mother.

MY CELESTIA! – “Twily! Watch out!” Twilight turned to face Shining, causing her to lose her balance.

“NOOOO!” Shining yelled as he jumped forth, barely catching his sister mid-fall. “Woah,” he said incredulously before his face turned into a smug grin. “Gotcha! Would you look at that? The perfect royal guard, saving his charge just in time. What do you say about your brother now--AUGH!” his smug talk was interrupted by a rolling pin landing on his head. Unfortunately, it was made of wood, and the kitchen was high enough to leave a mark, so Shining was sent tumbling to the floor, his pupils spiraling against one another.

“Ow, my head,” he groaned as he rubbed his skull, already feeling a lump starting on it. He shook his head to clear his thoughts, as well as getting his lopsided eyes under control, earning a giggle from his little sister. “So, you find that funny, huh? Well, at least you’re not hurt. But you can’t just go and –“ he stopped, looking at the foal in bewilderment. “Wait a second. How did you even go? Yesterday, you couldn’t get more than three steps, and today you disappear as soon as I get inattentive. How’d you do it?” Twilight just looked at him, her little head cocked to the side in an asking manner. She smiled and booped her brother’s nose, starting to giggle at the action. Shining smiled at his sister’s antics.

“Well, we can worry about that later. What do you wanna do?” A loud rumbling coming from Twilight’s belly answered his thoughts. “Well, that answers my question. And also explains why you were after that cookie,” he said, lightly poking Twilight’s underside with a hoof, eliciting a joyful squeal. “Well, let’s get you something to eat.” He placed his sister on his back before going to the fridge. Opening the door and peeking inside, he let out a groan. His mother had prepared at least seven different bottles. And all held notes telling him in minute detail what he should and shouldn’t do.

“Seriously, mom? You think I’m that dumb? Like you could do something wrong with preparing warm milk.” Shaking his head, he took one of the bottles out and placed it on the counter. Focusing his magic, he heated the bottle for a few seconds before picking it up again. “Well, let’s see,” he mused, dripping a few droplets of the foal food on his foreleg. “Hmm, could be a bit warmer.” Heating the bottle up, he tested it again and smiled contentedly. “Perfect. Alright, Twily, I know you’re hungry, and I’ve got just the right thing for you,” he said, placing his sister in her high stool and hoofing her the bottle. Twilight squealed before taking the bottle and beginning to drink. Shining watched her with a warm smile.

How could mom think I couldn’t handle this myself? She’s gorgeous! We’re gonna have the best. Time. Ever! Finishing, Twilight held the bottle towards Shining, smiling at him. Aww, look at that.

“All full, Twily?” Twilight giggled, bobbing her head and clapping her hooves. “Alrighty then, let’s get a burp out of that belly,” and with that, he picked his sister up and carefully tapped her back. When Twilight didn’t burp, he pulled her away and held her at foreleg’s length. “Twily, why aren’t you… is… something wrong?” he asked, noticing her scrunched up face. “Why are you looking –“ before Shining could continue, Twilight let out one of the loudest and strongest burps he had ever heard, making his mane flutter in the winds and the skin in his face pull back. It only lasted a second, but was enough to completely stun him.

What the…? I think I felt the walls shaking! “Woah, Twily, how did you do that?”

Twilight just giggled, pointing to his head. Shining eyed her in bewilderment before looking up. Seeing nothing, he placed Twilight on his back again and started for the mirror in the hall. Upon looking at his reflection, his chin hit the floor. “What in Celestia’s holy beard happened?! My face, it’s… it’s… it’s pink! And my mane is green! How did this –“ looking back at his sister, who was giggling about his antics, her horn giving off a spark from time to time, he began to understand. “Magic Surges,” he groaned, rubbing his now-pink face with a forehoof. Facing the mirror again, he tried rubbing off the color, alas to no avail.
“And I don’t know how to break a color-changing spell. Looks like I’ll stay this way for a while. Well, since you can’t control it, I can’t really blame you, now can I, Twily? Twily?” Looking back again, he noticed that while he had been busy with his unnatural fur color Twilight had vanished again. Pulling a forehoof across his face again, he groaned a second time. “Oh, what have I gotten… “

^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^

“… myself into,” Cadence said sadly as she sat on her bed, thinking about what had happened recently. She crossed her fore hooves before lying her head onto them. "How could I have been so cruel to Aunt Celestia? All she was doing was looking out for me and doing what's best."

You know, a female voice suddenly said, I was in a very similar position once. Cadence gasped, frantically looking around the room. Always thinking Celestia - the voice practically spat the name - was doing what she thought was best. But do you know something, child? She's a foal! Her façade just hides what she truly is: a frightened foal too ignorant to see through the two-faced smiles and lies of her oh-so-beloved subjects.

"Who are you? Show yourself!" the young princess called out, angered by the phantom's blackening of her aunt's name.

And guess what? You're becoming just like her. A frightened little foal too scared to make her own decisions. So disappointing. You have so much potential, the voice purred, sending a shiver down Cadence's neck.

"What do you want?" she asked nervously, getting up and moving away from her bed in hopes of getting away from the ominous presence.

Me? I don't want anything, my dear Cadenza. It's what you want that matters. And what I can do to help you get everything you wish for.

"No!" Cadence answered resolutely. "I don't know who you are or what you want, but I won't disobey Celestia's wishes. I am confident that she has only my wellbeing at heart.

Like she did with her sister? the voice asked, the silky sound now directly beside the pink alicorn's ear. Cadence winced, feeling a breath on her neck, but when she turned around, she was greeted by nothing, not even the slight tingle of residue magic lingering in the air.

Face it, Princess, the voice continued, seemingly unfazed by the alicorn's discomfort,
as long as you don't start making your own decisions, you'll be Celestia's lapdog. You will sacrifice yourself for mortals not even worth looking at your horseshoes. You will wither away just like your mother. And when you decide that you deserve a bit of gratitude, then let us see what the noble, always-do-good Princess Celestia will do.

"That's a lie! My aunt is the kindest, most loving, most generous pony in all of Equestria. Everything she did back then was to safe her populace, and I'll not allow you to speak such slander."

Tell me, then, 'Princess', how do you know about what happened nearly a thousand years ago? What did Celestia tell you?

"N-nothing. I-I read everything there was to know in a book," Cadence lied, drawing her shoulders up and looking to the side.

Mmmh, don't lie to me, my child. A shiver ran down the young mare's spine. She felt something like a wing drape around her body, though she could see no such thing.. She tried using a sensor spell, only to gasp in fear as her horn fizzled out without so much as a spark.

Now, now, my dear, don't do that. You don't want to hurt yourself using magic, now do you? Cadence started shivering in terror as she noticed the imaginary wing draping closer around her, effectively immobilizing her.

See? Isn't this much better? Now, where was I? Ah, yes, I was about to tell you what really happened back then. Back then, everypony in all of Equestria was ignoring your mother's beautiful night. That much you know already, no? Well, in all her misery and hurt, she turned to me, the only being in the world that appreciated her work for what it was: a masterpiece of the finest art. I told her that it was imperative that we try and prolong the night. But we were so naive trying to reason with her sister. Of course, Celestia was enraged by Luna's simple request and sent her away to continue wilting like a beautiful moonflower in the sunlight. So I convinced her to do what was necessary: forcing night upon Equestria for all to see. It was only meant as an onetime event. But Celestia, in all her ignorance, attacked your mother with all her force. You know how it ended: your mother lost, unable to fight her own sister, who could do so without a second thought. And it seems she found a replacement. Her sister's daughter, a foal to mold to her twisted beliefs and to raise as an enemy to her own mother.

"NO! You're lying. I won't fall for your heresy," Cadence screamed, but there was doubt glinting in her eyes. She used all her might to push away the presence, and, to her utmost satisfaction, she got loose, skidding over the floorboards and nearly tripping. Shaking her head, she looked back towards the space she had been confined in to notice a pair of draconic eyes staring back at her.

"I won't fall for your lies, Nightmare! You may have been able to twist my mother, but I won't let you get me, too. My aunt loves me. And she loves her sister. More than anything in the world. Every day, she begs her to forgive her for the sins she committed long ago. And nothing you say will EVER make me believe otherwise. I'm ashamed that I let myself be spun into believing one of your foul words for even one second. Mark my word, Nightmare: you will never separate me from Celestia or my mother. Not now, not ever!" The draconic eyes regarded her indifferently, before closing and vanishing into thin air.

We will see about that, the voice said before vanishing, a shadow darting over the wall before disappearing.

"We will. You will never win! We will always be there to stop you! Just you see," Cadence yelled angrily, still watching the spot where the draconic eyes had been. Breathing heavily, she allowed herself to slump down on her haunches. Only now did she realise she was shaking from horn to tail. "Damn you, Nightmare. I'll show you!"

"Your highness?" a new voice sounded from the door. Quickly turning around, the princess noticed a guard had entered while she was yelling. "Is everything alright?" Cadence took a few calming breaths before smiling at him.

"It wasn't before, but now it is," she said. The guard stared at her confused, before thinking better of it and formally adressing her again.

"Your highness, I bring you a message from your aunt, our highness Princess Celestia," he mechanically said, bowing down.

"Please, stand up. What did she say?" Cadence asked nervously.

"Well, your highness," the guard started, not meeting her eyes, "Princess Celestia has asked that you stay in your room until she has found time to come by. She said it shouldn't be longer than after dinner," he finished, sweating slightly.

"What? Oh no, I need to be at the Sparkle house by then," she moaned as soon as the guard had finished. She started for the door, only to be intercepted by the guard sticking one of his wings out. Noticing the uncertainty in his eyes, she addressed him again, desperation evident in her voice. "Please, I have to talk to her. I want to tell her how sorry I am. Please let me through."

"I'm sorry, Princess," he replied apologetically, "but I have to follow my order. Please stay in your room."

"I... understand," Cadence said, all energy draining from her again. The guard looked at her incredulously.

"Really?" he asked, the confusion inside him leaking out through his voice.

"Yes. As royal guard, it is your duty and my aunt's order is beyond mine. I don't wish to impose. I will stay in my room as my aunt has ordered." The guard sighed in relief.

"Thank you, your highness. I will be posted outside should you desire anything." With that, the guard turned around again and walked out of the room, taking his post right outside of the door next to another guard.

"Any problems to report?" his comrade asked, looking at him from the corners of his eyes.

"No, everything's fine. Let's give the princesses time to calm down so they can talk about stuff sooner rather than later."

^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^

As soon as the guard left, Cadence sighed dejectedly.

"I'm not welcome around Aunt Celestia. That's the worst thing that's ever happened between us. And to top that off, she sent a foalsitter to make sure I stay in my room." She thought about her situation, remembering the promise she had given Shining to come to their family get-together. She sighed again before working her magic, unlocking and opening her balcony door. Stepping outside, she let the gentle breeze of the day caress her face and play through her mane before looking apologetically at the door the guard had left through.

"I'm sorry, but I have… "

^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^

"… to do this," Shining said as he levitated Twilight onto his back again and the cookie jar to the highest shelf in the kitchen.

"Bababa!" Twilight exclaimed, trying to reach the cookie jar by holding onto the kitchen counter.

"Twily, no!" Shining ordered as he walked out of the room. Twilight began to whine, pulling at his mane and jabbing her little hind hooves into his sides.

"OW! Twilight, stop it now!" he shouted at her. He watched as her lower lip quivered and her eyes filled with tears. Feeling her expression tugging at his heart strings, he shook his head and extended a hoof in her direction. Before he had a chance to say something, however, Twilight let herself glide from his back and scurried away.

"Wait, no. Twilight!" he called after her before chasing her purple tail which, disappeared behind the doorframe leading to their living room. Stepping in, he let his eyes wander around the room before spotting a fleck of purple behind the sofa. "Twilight?" he asked, slowly approaching the little purple blotch that was his sister. "Twily?" he bowed down to her and stretched out a hoof, only for her to whimper and shy away as he tried closing the distance. She looked at him with wide, fearful eyes, tears leaking out of the corners. Her lower lip was trembling as she tried to make herself as small as possible, curling up into a small purple ball that shivered in fear of him.

"Sis?" He laid his hoof on her shivering form, making her recoil and curl up even further. "Oh, little filly, I'm sorry for yelling. I'm only looking out for you and you can't have any sweets before eating some healthy lettuce. So please, don't be mad at me." He regarded her with bated breath, waiting for some kind of response. Finally, after what seemed like forever, she uncurled herself before offering a small smile. Sighing in relief, he gently took her in his magic and placed her on his back again.

"So, Twilight, how about we go and play in the garden a bit? It's such a nice day and it would be a shame to stay indoors all day." Twilight gurgled happily as Shining led both of them outside.

^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^

The garden of the Sparkle residence was a rather big complex, even for Canterlot standards. It consisted of a big terrace sporting a round wooden table with comfy cushions placed around it. The lawn featured a cobblestone path languidly winding its way through it, flanked by various flowerbeds. In the middle, the lawn was divided by two artificial creeks originating from magically operated wells and ending in a small pond. A wooden bridge with small sculptures of tigers on its posts spanned the pond at its largest diameter, and the plant life consisting of reed, bamboo and water lily alike created the atmosphere of a garden belonging to an old Chineighse temple. As Shining knew, his father had crafted this garden in minute detail as a wedding gift to his mother. This was the place where Velvet had found the inspiration for her bestseller, "Daring Do And The Quest For The Sapphire Stone". The lawn itself was surrounded by various plants, mostly of edible nature. As a hobby botanist, Velvet took great pride in the beautiful flora she had nurtured. Strewn around the flower beds were trees bearing apples, pears and cherries. The border of the garden consisted of a small hedge, so as to welcome visitors and give the Sparkle family a good view over Canterlot. Embedded into the hedge was a small wrought-iron door leading to the small alley between the Sparkle property and the neighbors' garden.

Shining sat Twilight down at the beginning of the lawn, where Night Light had build a sandbox when it had been clear that Velvet was pregnant. Getting a bucket and a shovel from beside the box, he noticed Twilight had taken some sand into her hoof and was trying to eat it.

"Nonono, Twily, you can't eat it. It's not edible. You can play with it, though." He took the shovel and dug a small hole into the sand. "See? This is sand. You can dig holes into it or build castles." Under Twilight's curious gaze, he began to fill the bucket up to the brim. Compressing the sand, he swiftly flipped the bucket and smashed the opening onto the sand. "And now we have a turret," he said, raising the bucket again to reveal a small body faintly akin to a castle's turret. Twilight cautiously approached the construct, gently prodding a hoof against it. Where her hoof made contact, a small trickle of sand fell off the sand turret.

"I knew you would like that," Shining told Twilight with a smile as he watched her squealing and clapping her hooves together. "Now, how about yoEARGH!" he exclaimed as the foal decided to make the sand trickle not by prodding it, but by smashing her fore hooves on it as hard as she could, effectively giving Shining's pink face a touch of ocher. Wiping his face in disgust, he noticed Twilight had fallen over from laughing too much.

"Hahaha, very funny, you little troublemaker," he remarked before helping his sister to her haunches again. "Well, do you want to continue playing, or do you just want to redesign my face?" As if to answer his question, Twilight poked his muzzle with her hoof, leaving an sandy imprint.

"Oh, come on," he whined, eliciting a bout of giggles from the baby pony. Picking her up and walking up to the pond, his reflection showed that all small specks of sand on his already pink face were aligned perfectly around the imprint on his muzzle, giving him the looks of a pink moon. "Well, I guess it is kind of funny," he stated before joining in on his sister's laughs.

"Well, well, well, would you look at that? A chump of a stinking foal. Oh, and a baby pony as well," a snide voice wafted through the garden. Turning around, Shining noticed Blueblood and his goons stepping through the gate.

"Hey! Get outta here! This is private property," Shining yelled, stepping forward and shielding his sister from the trio's eyes. Blueblood scoffed and approached him nonetheless.
Standing before him, the prince allowed a smug grin to adorn his features.

"As a prince, I am allowed to enter every property I deem worth of my presence. Now," he started, walking around the garden a bit under Shining's angered gaze. He proceeded towards a tulip bed, one of Velvet's favorites. Regarding them with a critical eye, he waved over his goons. "Oh my, such beauty. It must have been painfully hard to grow such perfect flowers." Smirking, he plucked one out before nodding towards his two brutes. At his command, they sprang into the bed and began trampling down the flowers.

"HEY! STOP THAT! THEY ARE MY MOTHER'S!" Shining screamed, causing Twilight to cry.

"Oh, is that so? I am SO sorry. You know how hard it is to find good staff these days," Blueblood laughed mercilessly. "But I have an idea. How about my guards plant your face in there? You match the colors perfectly." Noticing the bawling filly behind Shining, an annoyed mien flashed over Blueblood's face. "Is this your little sister? Tell her to be silent. She's getting on my nerves."

"Leave her alone," he breathed, taking an angry step towards the prince, horn aglow. Seemingly out of nowhere, Blueblood's guards appeared and threw Shining to the ground, immobilizing him.

"Baba!" Twilight cried, trying to get to her brother, but as she stood up she was blocked by the prince stepping in front of her.

"Be silent. As your prince, I command you to hold your tongue." Twilight stopped sobbing, but looking him in the eye defiantly. Blueblood turned around, closing his eyes and motioning his hoof in a haughty manner.

"A smart one, are you? Well, it seems your uncouth parents have no idea how to raise a foal. Ignoring titles and social ranks seems to run in the family. Well, too bad flogging is prohibited. You both could sure use some."

Turning around again, he noticed the foal was no longer present. He halted mid-lecture and looked at his goons, who seemed surprised as well.

"What in Equestria?" Blueblood asked as he starred at the spot where the foal had last been.

"Twily?" Shining asked in fear as he and Blueblood's goons starred at the spot Twilight had been not moment's before. He turned his gaze towards Blueblood to see the prince watching him with annoyance evident in his face.

"What did you do? Do you really think your little trick will sa - AUGH!" The prince's rant was interrupted as his tail was grabbed in a purple glow and he was lifted upside down towards the table where...

"TWILY!" Shining called out in joy as he noticed his sister was sitting on the table, seemingly unharmed, her face scrunched up in concentration as she levitated the prince towards her.

"GUARDS! HELP YOUR PRINCE!" Blueblood screamed. The two brutes let go of their hostage and started towards their master, but were stopped as their hooves were surrounded by a magic glow as well. They only had time to turn around and see Shining with his horn aglow before their hooves dropped into magically formed holes, effectively immobilizing them.

"GUARDS! YOUR PRINCE COMMANDS YOU TO -" he cut himself off as he noticed his rump being levitated to the foal. "What in Equestria are you -" his rant fell short as he felt a tiny, but still strong forehoof connect with his fundament.

"OW! MY ROYAL BACKSIDE! STOP THIS AT ONCE, YOU LITTLE- OW!" Shining watched in amazement as the prince got his buttocks beaten by a foal not even a month old. After about twenty beatings, Twilight's horn glowed blindingly. The Prince had only time to start screaming before he disappeared in a flash, just to appear above the pond a second later. His scream was interrupted with a gasp as he ungracefully landed face first in the greenish water. He resurfaced soon after, algae hanging in his mane and a frog croaking angrily on his head. Smirking, Shining enveloped the remaining two and tossed them into the pond as well. The Prince opened his muzzle, only to spit out greenish sludge.

"MY MANE! MY BEAUTIFUL MANE! YOU! YOU WILL PAY FOR THIS INSOLENCE! BOTH OF YOU!" Blueblood screamed, pulling himself out of the pond and running away, his goons in tow. Looking after them, Shining turned around to find his sister giggling, sticking her tongue out at the prissy prince. Quickly, he took her and hugged her to his chest before holding her at legs’ length.

"Twilight! That was GREAT!," he said, sitting her in his lap and ruffling her mane, eliciting a squeal from the foal. "How did you even pull that off? That has to be the strongest magic surge I've ever heard of." Twilight just looked at him with a smile. He thought he noticed a gleeful glint in her eyes, but thought better of it. Suddenly, Twilight began babbling in joy before pointing to the sky. Following her hoof, the colt noticed a pink figure in the sky approaching them from the direction Blueblood and his brutes had fled to. A grin passed his features. "Just you wait until we tell Cadence about this. She'll burst with laughter."

^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^

Meanwhile, Night Light and Twilight Velvet were walking through Canterlot towards their destination, the Sparkle wine store.

"Are you sure Shining's alright?" Velvet asked for approximately the hundredth time. It was starting to get on Night Light's nerves, even moreso since he was going to meet his parents with Velvet in tow.

"For the hundredth time, they'll be fine, Velvet. You should worry more about meeting my mother again." A dark shadow crossed Velvet's features. In the sixteen years they had been married, Dazzle had never warmed up to her. Despite Night Light's and his father's best efforts, nothing seemed to lessen their mutual aversion for the other in the slightest. Dazzle even dropped the name of Canterlot's most famous divorce lawyer, Buck Matrimony, from time to time. After that, Night Light feared that his wife would sooner become a Nightmare witness than a friend towards his mother.

"Oh yes, because meeting your mother is always such joy! She's the climax of the whole day," Velvet replied sarcastically, to which Night Light shot her an annoyed glance. "What? It's not my fault she's a pain in the flank!"

"Please, dear, try to be nice to her, just this once. Please?" Night Light begged while giving her the puppy eyes. Velvet rolled hers in return.

"Alright, I'll try. But you owe me, BIG TIME." Night Light chuckled before giving his wife a chaste kiss on her cheek.

"Thank you, Honey Bun. You won't regret it. Now, let's do this," and with that, he pushed the door to his parent's wine store open, holding it for Velvet to enter. At the sound of a chime mounted to the door, a decadent mare exited the back of the store.

"Welcome to the - oh Night Light, it's you. How nice of you to come by." Noticing Velvet, Dazzle scrunched up her nose, looking down on her with disgust. "And I see you brought your lovely wife along. How wonderful."

"Hello, mother. Nice to see you, too." Giving his wife a sidewards glance, he noticed she was glaring daggers at his mother and prodded her gently with a hoof.

"Hello, Dazzle," Velvet hissed through clenched teeth. Just relax, Velvet. maybe it won't be TOO bad.

"Well, follow me to the back and let's see what you need. By the way, it's good you decided to stop by, Night Light, because I wanted to ask you if it's alright if I bring Raindrops along tonight. It's been so long since you two met, and you have SO much catching up to do. The poor dear is feeling so lonely at the moment, and could really use a shoulder to lean on. She was divorced again, you know."

"Oh, wonder, how in the world could that happen?" Velvet asked in mock surprise. Dazzle gave her a scathing gaze.

"Yes, it's a real surprise, isn't it? Well, I guess bringing her along would benefit all of us. Some of us could especially benefit from learning from a real mare how to behave as a wife and mother."

And some of us could benefit from their mother-in-law being locked up in a barrel and thrown into the River Equine, Velvet thought darkly as she and Night Light followed Dazzle into the back of the store.

^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^

A sigh emanated from the luxurious bed of the sun princess. Listlessly, Celestia turned from one side to the other, facing towards the windows. She had ceased crying a while ago, the only evidence being the tear streaks on her cheeks.

"What am I doing?" she asked herself, shaking the blanket off her and getting up. "This isn't the time for moping. It is the time for acting." Stretching, she got a peek of the moon and its famous silhouette.

"Oh, Luna, why does this have to be so hard?" she asked her sister, even though she knew she couldn't hear her. "I knew it would not be easy to raise your foal, since I was sure she would be a trouble maker like her mother" - she allowed herself a small chuckle - "but what do I do now? What if this remnant of the Nightmare gets stronger? I can't bear having to fight another one so dear to me."

Shaking her head sadly, she let her gaze wander towards a golden picture frame sitting on her night stand. The picture it contained showed a newborn Cadence being cradled by her aunt. Celestia smiled. Never in the almost thousand years since Luna's banishment had she felt such joy, but also such grief, at the prospect of raising a foal. She had never had any children of her own, so getting to raise and teach one herself was a great opportunity. It came at a great cost, though. She couldn't quench the feeling of guilt as she remembered what raising Cadence would mean to Luna. She knew her sister now would probably never feel the joy of being mother to a newborn.

She feared the day Luna and Cadence would meet. She could see it: Her sister, eager to finally be reunited with her daughter. The surprise when Luna would not be presented with an infant, but a fully grown mare probably living on her own by then. Imagining the look of shook and hurt on her sister's face made a single tear leave her eye to join its kin on her bedding.

"Maybe I was to hard on Cadence. After all, she's still just a filly, and this meant so much for her. Maybe sending a guard to deliver my message wasn't the best idea. I should probably talk about this with her myself. Maybe we can find a compromise." Invigorated, she got up, stretching before checking her appearance in her mirror. After a few magical touches, she moved on towards her door. Just as she reached for the handle, however, a loud banging sounded from the other side.

"Your highness, please, let me in! It's important!" Raising an eyebrow, she used her magic to open the door to Ironlance, the guard she had sent to look after Cadence.

"Sergeant Ironlance, what is wrong? Has something -"

"Princess Cadence! She's gone!"

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"... and she really did this all by herself," Cadence asked skeptically, sipping at her tea. After landing in the garden and confronting Shining about what had happened, he had invited her in. Currently, they were sitting in the living room, with Twilight next to them on her foal blanket, playing with her teddy bear. The colt nodded exaggeratedly.

"Yeah, you should've seen it. One moment, Blueblood was an evil douche, the next moment he's a big crybaby!" Shining snorted at the memory of the whining prince, an image forever etched into his mind. Cadence regarded him for a moment, before turning her gaze towards Shining's sister. A smile spread on her face as she watched the foal. Twilight was currently bouncing her plushie up and down, babbling to herself. She swung it around a bit before hugging it close to her chest and cuddling it. She turned from left to right as she did so, and proceeded to roll onto her back with a giggle.

"Such strong magic surges at such a young age. She really is something else, isn't she?" the Princess asked, still not taking her eyes from Twilight. Carefully, she wandered over and sat down opposite the foal. Twilight opened her eyes and regarded her, before smiling and going back to cuddling her teddy.

"Yeah, she is. And look what she can do," Shining said, sitting down a few hooves away from his sister. "Twily? Come here, come to your brother," he encouraged, regarding the foal. Twilight looked up from her bear, smiling at Shining before offering her bear to Cadence.

"Da! Baba!" she stated as Cadence took the toy in her magic. Twilight turned to her brother again before she, under the expectant gaze of Shining and Cadence, walked to her brother, hugging him and looking into his eyes. The colt shot Cadence a victorious grin, but his smile wilted as soon as he saw her bemused face.

"What's wrong?" he asked, uncertain as to the princess's confused mien.

"Uhm, I'm sorry, did I miss anything?" Cadence replied with uncertainty.

"Er, yeah, she walked! This is awesome, isn't it?"

"It... is?" The alicorn regarded the siblings, not sure how to react. She searched Shining's face for clues, noticing his visage changing from confused to sudden understanding.

"We... I never told you, did I?" he asked, looking at her with a serious face.

"Told me what?"

Shining sighed, looking down at his sister. The foal was was watching them anxiously, fearing she had somehow done something wrong. Her brother, noticing that she had begun shivering while pressed into his chest, pulled her into a hug and began gently stroking her mane.

"There, there, sis, it's alright," he soothed. Turning his gaze up again, he looked Cadence directly in the eyes. "Well, it all started two weeks ago... "

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Two weeks earlier

"Err, Velvet?"

"Yes, Night Light?"

"Have you noticed anything... odd… with Twilight?"

Velvet looked up from the teddy she was currently sewing up. She noticed that her husband was watching their foal with rapt attention. Said foal was currently crawling around on the floor, gnawing on everything she could get her little hooves on.

"What do you mean?"she asked. She pulled a pillow away from her daughter and set her down on her back with her magic. At the same time, she levitated the teddy into the foal's forelegs

"Have you ever heard of a filly... crawling? And at her age, no less?" Velvet gasped, looking back at her daughter with eyes laden with worry and fear.

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A short while later

"Well, Mr. and Mrs. Sparkle, I have the results," the doctor said to Velvet and Night Light. They currently sat on a gurney with Twilight between them. The foal watched her parents and the room in wonder, too stunned to try and grab something.

"Please tell us what's wrong with our little filly, doctor," Velvet pleaded, tears starting to form in her eyes. The foal doctor sighed. After all his years, it still wasn't easy to tell parents like the Sparkles when there was something wrong with their child. The doctor regarded them for a short while before smiling.

"There is nothing wrong with her. She just has some weak muscles," he explained, levitating a clip board towards himself.

"That's why she can't walk yet?" Night Light asked, confused. The doctor nodded.

"Yes, Mr. Sparkle. It's nothing to really worry about. About one in ten thousand foals are born with weaker muscles. Interestingly, those seem to be the more gifted ponies later in life."

"What can we do to help her?" Velvet asked, gently nuzzling her daughter's head.

"Well, for one I would advise training with her. Help her get up and let her try her first steps. The first ones are always the hardest, but it will get better in time. She will most definitely try to walk on her own some day, so better watch out she doesn't get on the run to the Canterlot Express," he said with a chuckle.

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Present Day

"... and it seems Twilight got the hang of it on her own," Shining concluded, ruffling his sister's
mane and eliciting a giggle out of her. "And in no time, she'll be prancing about, causing even more trouble. Isn't that right, Twily?" he asked, rubbing his snout against his sister's. Cadence smiled at the siblings. She was glad that everything had gone out well, and that Twilight would grow up to be a happy and healthy filly. A loud rumbling ripped her out of her thoughts, followed by a mewl from the foal.

"Well, sounds like somepony is hungry," Shining said, picking his sister up and carrying her into the kitchen. "Now, let's see what mom prepared." Opening the fridge, he noticed a small bowl filled with various greens. Lunch was written on a note attached to it.

"Alright, Twily. It seems mom wants you to eat this lettuce. Well then," he stated, placing Twilight in her high stool and levitating the bowl towards the stool's surface, "now open wide. Here comes the Can...ter...lot express?" he finished with a frown as Twilight pressed her lips closed, turning her head to the side. She pointed her hoof towards where the cookie jar was standing.

"Now Twilight, you can't always eat cookies. Mom wants you to eat something healthy. And believe me, this lettuce really is tasty." To proof his point, he took one of the leaves and placed it in his muzzle, munching happily on it. Wow, this really IS tasty, he thought, eating the leaf with delight. "Now it's your turn. Open wide." Twilight mimicked her brother, taking the lettuce into her muzzle and chewing on it. Instead of swallowing however, Twilight spluttered the chewed up leaf around, blotting Shining's pink face with green.

"Now Twilight," Cadence said, stepping up to the foal. "It's very important to eat healthy. How about this? You eat half your lettuce and get half a cookie. Deal?" Twilight regarded her, seemingly not understanding a thing, but clapped her hooves together at the mention of the word 'cookie'. Cadence smiled before picking the fork up in her magic while also levitating a cookie out of the jar. "Finish all of your lettuce and you get a whole cookie." And with that, she levitated another leaf into Twilight's now open muzzle. The princess waited with bated breath until, to her great relief, the foal swallowed her morsel.

"Ahbaba!" she stated, pointing to the lettuce. Smiling, the alicorn fed her another morsel and another, until, after a short while, they had emptied the bowl. Cadence picked her up and gently tapped her back to burp her. After she was done, she placed the smiling filly on her back and levitated the cookie towards her, making the foal squeal in delight as she munched on the treat.

"Well done, Twilight," she said as she watched the baby pony crumble her cookie. "See, Shining? She's the perfect little filly. Piece of cake!"

"Yeah, she's an angel," Shining grumbled, pulling a piece of spittle-soaked lettuce from his face.

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Author's Note

Here it is.
The long awaited chapter 5.
Special thanks to my new proofreader Knight Of Cerebus

Family Frenzy

Author's Note

Good day, my friends.
Please forgive me for my long absence. I hope this chapter can begin to make up for the time you had to wait.
As always, many thanks to my editor Knight of Cerebus
And now, have fun

Family Frenzy

Celestia sat in silence, digesting the information Sergeant Ironlance had just shared with her. Her head was bowed down, making it look like she was meditating. But her mind was in turmoil.

Cadence is gone, she mused for the umpteenth time. Of course she's gone. It's not like my words could stop her. She is much too fond of that filly. And even while she's a princess, she's still a teenager. She looked over to the sergeant to see him sweating profusely, barely managing to hold his posture. She smiled inwardly. Poor Ironlance. He probably thinks he has failed me. Funny that he thought he could stop her. She is an alicorn, after all.

Celestia stood up and walked towards her guard, who seemed to wither away the closer she got. Alright, time to scare him a bit.

"Sergeant Ironlance," she started, rising to her full height and opening her wings. The guard blanched, shrinking under her stern gaze.

"Y-Yes, Your H-Highness?" he asked, his whole body quivering.

"For what has happened, I, Princess Celestia of Equestria, hereby order you to... calm down," Celestia concluded, closing her wings and shooting him a mischievous smile. The unicorn's jaw hit the floor as the Sun Princess dropped her act.

"You... But... Princess Cadence... " he stammered, aghast. Shaking his head, he looked at her as if she had gone mad. Celestia merely chuckled, smiling warmly.

"Sergeant Ironlance, I ask of you to calm down. You have nothing to worry about. It was foalish to believe that letting you guard her room would stop her from doing what she thinks is right. Furthermore, you would have had no chance to stop her at all had you realized what she was doing. Therefore, it is I who should be blamed. Instead of sending you, I should have talked to her myself."

"But Princess, you were... indisposed. And it is our duty to guard the princesses, no matter what. I am ready to take the full blame, for myself and my comrade, and accept all the charges you -" he was stopped by Celestia raising a hoof.

"Please, Sergeant. I told you, everything is fine. I ask that you get a new duty from Captain Bladewing. As far as I am concerned, you have fulfilled the task I gave you. Thank you very much." And with that, she turned and walked towards the window, staring out onto the streets of Canterlot’s afternoon.

"But -" he stopped himself as his dismissal sunk in. "Yes, Your Highness, of course. Thank you for your graciousness. I will do as you commanded." With that, he turned on his heels and began his way to the barracks. Stopping at the door, he turned around again. There had been a question rattling his mind, so he decided to just ask the princess.

"Your Highness? Do you have an idea where Princess Cadence could be?" Celestia turned around again, looking at him seriously.

"I have a pretty good idea," she said.

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"Now, Shining, there's one thing I forgot to ask you," Cadence said as soon as Shining had finished wiping lettuce off his face. "How come your face is pink and your mane is green?" Shining just grunted, nodding towards his sister.

"Twilight did this? But how?"

"Magic Surge," he grumbled, watching the foal munch on her cookie happily. Twilight noticed her brother watching her and looked up. She smiled at him, muzzle corners full of crumbs. Stretching one foreleg out, she offered Shining a part of her cookie. He smiled back and took the cookie half in his magic. He broke it in two and gave a half to Cadence. As soon as both took a bite, Twilight squealed and clapped her hooves together, babbling about and spraying cookie crumbs all over her high chair.

"You are quite the messy eater, aren't you?" Cadence asked, picking up a wet rag in her magic before wiping the foal's face. As soon as the princess was done, Twilight raised her fore legs in the air, jumping up and down.

"Aaap," she said, looking at Shining. The colt chuckled, picking his sister up and gently placing her on the ground.

"Alright. What now, Twily?" he asked. Suddenly, they heard the front door open.

"Shining, Twilight, we're BAAHAACK!" a female voice called from the hall. Twilight squealed in joy at the voice, her little hooves taking her towards its source. Shining and Cadence smiled at each other and gave chase.

"Twilight, my little filly, you're walking! Oh, my sweet little foal. Mommy's so proud of you," Velvet said, laying down on the floor as her daughter approached her on wobbly hooves. Twilight toddled towards her mother, pressing her little face into the elder pony’s chest. Velvet hugged her foal, delicately smoothing the filly’s hair with her tongue.

“Did you miss mommy, my darling?" she asked, picking the foal up and placing her on her back. "Mommy missed you, too." Smiling, she turned around to notice the other two ponies standing in the hall. "Hello, Shining, and-- Oh! Hello, Princess Cadence. I'm glad you could find some time."

"Oh, it’s my pleasure, Mrs. Sparkle."

"How nice of you to be here so early. I figure Princess Celestia eased a few of your royal duties off your back?" Cadence gulped. Should I tell them? she mused. No, better not. They could misunderstand the situation. Her eyes widened at Velvet’s change in expression. Oh no, I let her wait too long.

"Yes, you could say that," she explained, putting on a wide, fake smile. Her eyes darted left to right, the beginnings of sweat forming on her brow. Velvet and Shining eyed her in confusion.

"Cadence, is everything alright?" Shining asked in a whisper.

"Later," Cadence replied from the corner of her muzzle, giving Velvet another toothy smile. I can't tell them about the situation with the Nightmare. They would never even let me come near to their foal. Luckily, rescue came in the form of a heavy loaded Night Light stumbling through the doorway.

"I think I got everything, dear. Hello, Twily," he wheezed, coming to a wobbly halt next to his wife and daughter.

"Alright, then, let's start preparing. Night Light, get everything into the kitchen," Velvet ordered. Night Light nodded, starting his arduous walk. "Shining, I want you toooo-uh?" she concluded, for the first time noticing her son's new appearance. "Shining? Why is your face... pink? And your mane is... uhm, green."

"Twilight had a magical surge while you were gone. And I don't know how to fix this," Shining whined, pulling at his cheeks.

"Here, let me help," Cadence said, shaking Nightmare's words from her thoughts. She lit her horn, a surge of her blue magic washing over Shining's face. "There, good as new." The colt ran to the closest mirror, regarding himself from every angle possible.

"ALRIGHT! Thanks a lot, Cadence. You're the best." Cadence blushed, but smiled at the praise.

"Sure, no problem at all."

"Well, if you're done modelling, Shining, I want you to prepare the backyard. You know, getting the furniture ready, watering the flowers a bit, the usual." Shining blanched. He hadn't told any of them about what Blueblood had done to Velvet's most favorite flower bed.

"I'll help him," Cadence offered. Velvet smiled and shook her head.

"That is very generous of you, but I'm sure he can do this by himself. Right, Shining?" Shining gulped, nodding.

"It would be my pleasure," Cadence assured, smiling. "It is no problem at all."

"Well then, thank you very much, Princess. Come now, Twily, we will prepare dinner together. Let's see if daddy is ready -" a loud clatter sounded from the kitchen "- or if he needs any help," Velvet groaned, trotting towards her husband with a giggling Twilight on her back.

"Come on, Shining, let's do this," Cadence said, pulling Shining along as she walked towards the garden.

"Y-Yeah, I'm coming," he said, trying to ignore the bullets of sweat running down his brow

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Three hours later, the Sparkle family was in the last stages of preparing for dinner. The family occasion would be starting in thirty minutes. Velvet was making the last touches, on the dinner AND her family. At the moment, she was tormenting Shining with combing his mane . Night Light was fairing no better with his desperate attempts to change Twilight’s diaper.

"Ow, Mom. OW! Please, stop! It's like you're ripping out my mane," Shining hissed as his mother pulled the comb through his hairs like there was no tomorrow. Princess Cadence was sitting nearby, unsure if she should be sympathetic or laugh herself silly.

"Stop whining, Shining. It's not like you're gonna break or something," Velvet groaned, setting the comb aside and regarding her work. "And now you look presentable to the Canterlot Witch. Oh, sorry, I mean your grandmother," she hastily corrected herself after Night Light shot her an annoyed look.

"Please, Velvet, I'm begging you. Please, try to be nice to my mother," Night Light begged as he tried to fix a diaper on Twilight for the fifth time. The foal giggled as she again and again unfastened the diaper and flung it through the room with only a small spark of her horn.

"But she's so annoying. Plus, I can't imagine that being in the same room with both me and my parents will keep her at an bearable level." Night Light set Twilight down and stepped to his wife, gently nuzzling her face.

"I know it's not gonna be easy, but I'm sure you'll do wonderfully. You always solve even the hardest of tasks with ease, my dear." Velvet smiled, pulling his face closer and giving him a kiss.

"Ah, that's so sweet," Cadence cooed, watching them with a big smile. Night Light and Velvet blushed, but smiled sweetly. However, the romantic moment was interrupted by the sound of a raspberry being blown.

"Shining! What did we tell you about doing that?" Velvet admonished, giving her son a stern look and blushing.

"But mom, that wasn't me," Shining fought back, flailing his legs.

"Don't lie to us, Shining. Who else should have done it? Princess Cadence?" Night Light shot back. Before Shining could defend himself further, however, the sound came again, followed by giggling. The family and Cadence turned around towards the origin of the noise, their gazes landing on Twilight. The filly had her tongue between her lips, puffing her cheeks and creating the sound. Every raspberry was followed by a giggle from the still diaper-less foal.

"So, you're the one responsible. You little troublemaker," Velvet laughed. She proceeded to blow a raspberry on her daughter's belly, eliciting the same sound and a delighted squeal, moreover. "Now, let's finally give you a diaper." Twilight lay still as her mother diapered her, and raised her fore legs for a hug when she was finished. Velvet smiled lovingly at her foal and picked her up.

"Now, there's still some things to prepare. Shining, set out the candles. Night Light, make sure to prepare the wine and wine glasses," she ordered, holding Twilight to her chest. "Chop! Chop! We don't have all day," and with that, she walked into the kitchen.

"No fair. She makes trouble and doesn't even get a talking to," Shining complained.

"Tell me about it. I tried diapering her five times," Night Light muttered. Shining looked at him incredulously, switching his gaze over to Cadance when his father didn't react. The young princess gave him a sympathetic smile. Shining sighed and shrugged. Remembering his tasks, he walked into the dining room with Cadence in tow.

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"Now, Twilight, we still have the dessert to finish," Velvet said as she and Twilight entered the kitchen. Using her magic, Velvet levitated her daughter's high stool next to the kitchen counter and sat the foal down. "I was thinking of some chocolate soufflé medium with cinnamon ice cream. What do you think?" The foal squealed and clapped her hooves in response. "I'll take that as a 'yes'. Alright, and maybe a peppermint leaf as garnish?" Twilight stuck her tongue out, showing her apparent disgust.

"Alright, no peppermint. Well then, let's get to it. Would you like to help mommy?" Reaching for the cookie jar, Velvet pulled out a chocolate chip cookie and levitated it towards Twilight. "You can help mommy by eating this cookie." As soon as the cookie had reached its target, the foal bit into it like it was her prey, spraying crumbs everywhere. Velvet smiled and shook her head.

"You sure are a messy little filly," she said, immediately levitating a wet rag towards her daughter and dabbing her face. "Now try to stay clean, my dear. It will be the first time you meet your grandparents, after all." Her stern tone made Twilight slow her chewing. The little filly looked up at her with wide, questioning eyes. "That's better." She took a bottle of apple juice from the counter and poured some into Twilight's feeding cup. "Now, where is the baking soda and the flour?" Twilight watched her mother grab a jar and dive into a closet.

"Don't tell me we're out of baking soda," she groaned as she pulled her head out of the last closet. "Wait, I think there was some in the pantry. Be right back, Twily. Don't do anything silly or dangerous." With that she exited the kitchen, leaving Twilight alone with her cookie and the mysterious jar. Twilight tilted her head, looking at the strange thing. She reached for it, causing her magic to spark to life and levitate the jar towards her. Hitting the table of her high chair, the filly tilted the jar over, spilling its contents on the chair’s surface. The foal cautiously prodded the white stuff with a hoof. Finding it to be soft and fluffy, she pulled her foreleg back to find some of the powder stuck to her hoof. She squealed and clapped her hooves again, creating a dust cloud. The foal giggled and began clopping her hooves into the flour, effectively enveloping herself in a dust cloud and tipping over the juice. The fluid mingled with the flour, creating a sticky substance which Twilight continued to pound her hooves in.

"Well, there we have it," Velvet said as she re-entered the kitchen, levitating a package with her. "Now, Twilight, how have youuuuuuu-" she stopped herself when she noticed the mess her daughter had created. The foal in question wasn't faring any better. She was covered in a mix of flour and juice, giggling without a care in the world. Seeing her mother approach, Twilight stretched out her flour-covered hooves.

"Ba-ba," she said, hopping up and down in her chair. Despite the situation, Velvet couldn't help but smile proudly at her foals words.

"Twily! You did it. Aww, mommy's so proud of you," she sang, picking Twilight up in her magic and floating her closer. She almost immediately regretted that act as Twilight suddenly lunged forward and encompassed her neck in a hug.

"Ack! Twilight! Look what you have done," she groaned as she regarded the mess her daughter had smeared onto her coat. Looking up, Twilight regarded her mother with a quivering lower lip and watery eyes. "Oh, alright," Velvet grumbled, sitting on her haunches and holding the foal to her chest with her hooves. Twilight squealed nuzzling herself further into Velvet's coat and making it even dirtier.

"Hey, mom, are you reaaa - you know what, we'll just check if everything is ready," Shining said, he and Cadence trying their hardest to stifle their laughter. They turned and left, but not before Velvet sent a spark into Shining's behind, accelerating his leave and stifling his laughter. Looking down, she noticed Twilight was watching her with innocent eyes.

"Oh dear. Looks like it’s going to be a loooong day," she groaned as she regarded the foal's work on her coat. Twilight giggled at her mother's misery. "Well, Twilight, it seems we need a bath. We'll take one together as soon as I'm done here." Velvet took satisfaction in the droop in her daughter's ears her tone caused.

"She who laughs last laughs longest," Velvet said, giving her daughter a toothy grin and sitting her back in her high chair.

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Night Light was pacing back and forth in front of the door. His wife and foal had been upstairs for a two hours now. Checking the clock, he increased his pacing speed. He checked the other two occupants of the lobby. He had ‘persuaded’ Shining to dress in a suit. It came with a fitting bowtie, at which the colt was pulling constantly. Princess Cadence was wearing a light blue garment, which she had seemingly pulled from nowhere. Night Light himself was wearing his best suit. He had scrubbed every piece of lint away, leaving the suit immaculate. He had even spent half an hour polishing the gold buttons of his jacket until he could see his reflection. Looking up the stairs, he gave a relieved sigh. Velvet was finally coming down, a somewhat grouchy Twilight on her back. She had donned a dark fuchsia dress, with a pearl necklace around her neck. Twilight was wearing a simple white garment. It was obvious the foal didn't like it, as she was constantly trying to pull it over her head.

“Finally! What took you so long?” Night Light asked, annoyance dripping into his tone.

“Why thank you for your compliment. I too adore my new dress,” Velvet retorted.

“Yes, well, it’s charming. So, where have you been? You’ve been gone for two hours! My parents are due to arrive.”

“Don’t blame me for this! First it took twenty minutes to get Twilight into the tub and later another twenty to get her back out. Like with Shining when he was her age. At the start they don't want to get in, then they never want to leave! And dressing her took half an hour. She flung her diaper at me at least five times.”

“Doesn’t matter. You’re here, that’s what matters,” Night Light responded. As if on cue, the doorbell rang just after he had finished his sentence. Night Light gasped, pulling his family closer and making some last minute adjustments.

“Ow, Dad, stop it,” Shining whined at his father, who was roughly adjusting his bow tie. “Why do I even have to wear this stupid thing?”

“Because it’ll make you at least seem mature,” his father simply stated.

“Night Light, relax. It’s only a casual get-together. Don’t exaggerate. Our parents and Princess Cadance are nice people. What makes you think this will go so badly?”

“I know, I know,” Night Light sighed. “But please, I’m begging you, Velvet! Be nice to my mother. Please, for the love of Celestia, swear to me that you will be nice.”

“Alright, alright, I swear. Now open the door. It would be a bad start to the evening to keep them waiting.”

“Right, thank you.” Night Light walked up to the door and, with a flourish, opened it, dipping his head.

“Finally! Were you going to let us wait forever?” Dazzle asked as soon as the door opened. She stepped in, effusively kissing her son' cheeks and letting her critical eye wander around. She was wearing a black, expensive and flowery lace dress and a matching hat made of what appeared to be a bird’s nest. As soon as she spotted the princess, she made a beeline for her and bowed as deeply as she could.

“Princess Mi Amore Cadenza! What an honor, no, what a privilege, no, what a blessing to be in your presence,” she stated, taking one of Cadence’s hooves and kissing it multiple times.

“Err, thank you? It’s… nice to meet you, err… Mrs. Sparkle?” Cadence said, confusion evident in her voice. Dazzle affected a laugh.

“Why, where ARE my manners? Forgive me. My name is Dazzle Sparkle, née Coronet, grandniece of the Duke of Haymilton. And this,” she waved a dismissive hoof towards her husband, “is my spouse, Orion Sparkle.”

“It’s a pleasure to meet you, your Highness,” Orion said, stepping up and bowing low.

“Please, there’s no need for such formalities. Just call me Cadence.” Dazzle gasped theatrically.

“Oh my, we can’t do that. It’s just discourteous.”

“Please, mother, relax. This is just a casual get-together.”

“Plus, we’re not made of thin air,” Velvet murmured under her breath, quiet enough to just be heard by her. Despite her tone, she thought she saw Cadance's ear twitch in her direction

“Well, of course. If you insist, your high- I mean, Cadence.” Dazzle again affected a laugh, turning to her grandson. “My, my, who is this stunning young gentlecolt? You look absolutely magnificent, Shining,” she said, stretching out a fore hoof. Shining, unsure of how to react, took the proffered hoof in his own and shook it.

“Thank you, grandma,” he said, he said, the squint his mother gave at his action causing him to immediately regret it.

“Shining Armor Sparkle, is THAT the proper way to greet a lady? If a mare proffers you her hoof, you bow down and lightly graze it with your lips. And I told you to call me ‘Grandmother’,” she said, pinching his cheek for emphasis. Turning back to Cadence, she bowed low and gave her an apologetic smile. “I’m sorry, Princess, but it seems this household is lacking the certain nuances when it comes to etiquette.”

“Now, Mother, I’m sure it was just an honest mistake. I’m certain you just caught him off-guard.”

“Hmph, well, fair enough. Good evening, Velvet. You look… acceptable.”

“Thank you. You look… fine.” Dazzle just nodded to show she understood. Peeking around the mare, she laid eyes on the filly on Velvet’s back.

“Ah, and that must be our little grandchild. Why hello there, little filly.” Dazzle picked Twilight up in her magic, only for the foal to start struggling and whining loudly. “Relax, child. I’m your grandmother. I’m your father’s mother.” Twilight stopped for a second before wailing even louder. “Oh, come now, I just want to give you a small peck.” She levitated the struggling filly closer to her. Twilight yelped and suddenly disappeared in a purple flash, reappearing on Velvet’s back. The foal stuck out her tongue towards her grandmother, then burrowed closer to her mother’s protective back.

“Seems she doesn’t like you,” Velvet said, trying and failing to keep glee from entering her voice. Before Dazzle could retort, there was a knock at the door. “Ah, I think my parents are here.” She left the open-mouthed Dazzle standing stock still and opened the door.

“Velvet, my dear, how great it is to see you,” her mother, Aurella, exclaimed, pulling her into a hug.

“Hello, my dear,” her father, Octavius, said, laying a hoof on his daughter’s cheek.

“Hi mom, hi dad. Hope you had a good journey.” Aurella was about to answer when she noticed the small ball of fur curled on her daughter’s back.

“OHMYGOSHISTHATHER?!” she yelled, zipping towards Velvet’s side and leaning forwards to stare directly into the filly's widening eyes.

“Don’t try it, Aurella. The filly has to be the most uncouth foal I’ve ever witnessed,” Dazzle said dismissively. “No wonder, having such a mother,” she added under her breath. Aurella ignored her, instead focusing on the foal, who was sticking out a hoof tentatively. As soon as said hoof made contact with her muzzle, she honked like a goose and crazily rolled her eyes. For good measure, she stuck out her tongue and waved her fore legs around. Twilight reacted on it just as Aurella had planned. The foal gave a surprised squeal followed by laughter. She used this moment to pick the foal up and hold her at leg’s length.

“Aren’t you the sweetest little filly your granny’s ever seen? Watch out, you’re so sweet granny’s gonna eat you. Nomnomnom” she exclaimed, playfully nibbling on Twilight’s belly. The foal squealed and kicked as her sensitive underside was mercilessly tickled by her grandmother. Aurella soon joined in on the foal’s laughter, giving her a hug and rubbing their snouts together. The filly nickered, then cuddled into her chest. Looking up, the pearl white mare noticed her husband watching the scene.

“Hey, Octavius, come and say hi to your granddaughter,” she called him over with a grin, gently rocking Twilight in her fore legs. Octavius smiled at the foal, bowing towards her eyelevel. Twilight warily turned towards him, regarding the strange, smiling stallion in front of her. Octavius stretched out a hoof with the intention to gently ruffle the filly’s mane, but jerked and fell to the floor with a yelp. Looking down, the family noticed a faint purple glow dissipating from his moustache.

“Seems like your ‘stache intrigued little Twilight. Looks like a magic surge yanked at it,” Aurella explained matter-of-factly, her face becoming red from suppressing laughter. Octavius only grumbled, getting up and smoothing his moustache. Even though he wanted to, he couldn't stay mad at his laughing and babbling granddaughter.

“Well, I hate to break this up,” Velvet said, picking Twilight up and placing her on her back, “but the food is ready. Let’s continue talking over dinner.”

^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^

“So, Mr. Clef, how’s work?” Night Light asked as Velvet brought in the appetizer.

“Oh, it’s all going well, thank you. It’s not too different from your situation with our granddaughter.”

“Oh? How’s that?” Night Light asked, pulling back a chair for his wife.

“Well for one, even though they are all around twenty, my students act like newborn foals themselves. I have never witnessed ponies as helpless as they are. And since they are art students, their artistic freedom is akin to a foal’s magic surges. Well, I guess it comes with the perks of a professorship at an art academy,” the grey stallion finished with a hearty chuckle.

“I can see that. How about you, Mrs. Clef? Any new works of art?”

“Why yes, my dear Night Light. I have just finished one, to be precise. I call it ‘Luminous Toreador’. A art critic friend of mine has estimated the value to be around seventy-five thousand bits.”

“Wow. That’s really impressive,” Orion chimed in from the other side of the table.

“Yes, isn’t it? I was all aflutter when he told me. He even sent some photographs of the pictures to a cousin of his who owns a gallery. If I’m lucky, they’ll exhibit my works, maybe even my fondest of works, ‘The Lost Continuation’, which was estimated to be around one-hundred-and-fifty thousand bits. Incredible, isn’t it?”

“Yes, incredible that someone would be as backward as to buy any of this tacky ‘modern art’ works,” Dazzle mumbled, loudly enough for everyone to hear her. Looking around the table, she noticed the dark looks she was given and instead focused on her granddaughter. This didn’t prove much better, as Twilight was constantly sticking her tongue out at her with a mean mien, grumpy that she was seated right across from Dazzle.

“Anyway,” Night Light interrupted, seemingly trying to ease the tension. “I congratulate you on your success.”

“Thank you, Night Light. But enough of us. How have you been? You must really be on the fast track, considering a princess is joining us tonight,” Octavius said, shooting a smile towards Cadence and Shining.

“Well, Princess Cadence is a guest of Shining’s,” Night Light explained, smiling at his son and guest. “But you are right. We do really live on the fast lane. A week ago, I was promoted by no one other than Sir Fancy Pants to be a member of the financial department.”

“Why, congratulations. I take it that this is a great opportunity?” Aurella asked.

“Of course it is. He’s only answering to the finance minister and the princess now," Dazzle explained haughtily.

“Err, yes. Thank you, mother. It’s a really big responsibility I had to take. It was a real surprise when Sir Fancy Pants came to our office and offered me this position. Apparently, he was very impressed by my thesis about the financial influence of small villages like Ponyville.”

“Of course he was. It was a very intriguing read,” Orion said, smiling at his son. “I wouldn’t have thought that the net asset position would be weighing so hard on Manehattan’s PCI.“

“It was very interesting, dear,” Velvet said, smiling at her husband. “I’m very proud of you. And confirming the importance of Ponyville should finally stop all the discrimination and ignorance - “

“So, Cadence, you simply MUST tell me something,” Dazzle interjected, completely drowning out her daughter in law, “is it true what the ‘Canterlot Boulevard’ is writing in this week’s issue?”

“I-I’m not sure what you mean, Mrs. Sparkle,” Cadence said, uncertainty in her voice.

“Why, is it true that our Princess Celestia has a secret suitor? The Boulevard writes that ‘a well-placed source within the castle’ confirmed that an unknown pony was seen sneaking in and out every night, without even being seen by the guards. Now come on, my dear, clearly you must have heard of it. It has to be in every newspaper in Equestria.”

“Or what you would call newspapers,” Velvet muttered, earning a stern glance from Night Light.

“Oh yes. That story,” Cadence said, a bored expression coming to her face. “It’s true that there was a pony sneaking into the palace in the middle of the night several times. But he was not, I repeat, NOT a suitor of Aunt Celestia. In fact, he was the tabloid reporter who wrote the article. He almost besieged Celestia for an interview, asking her questions not about the well-being of Equestria, but about her love life. And of course if the ridiculous rumors about plans of an arranged marriage between me and some duke were true. He harassed her at least four times, even barging into important meetings with diplomats and high-ranking ministers.”

“How did he even manage to get into the palace that often?” Velvet asked, intrigued.

“Well, apparently he bribed at least eight guards and one sergeant to look the other way.”

“Yes, I remember reading about that. There was a big article about it in the ‘Manehattan Times’,” Octavius said, brushing his mustache with a hoof in thought. “Apparently, there was some serious axe-swinging going on in the ranks of the guard. Didn’t realize these two stories were connected somehow, though.”

“Yes, Captain Steel Hide was very angry. He and General Silverhoof wanted to fire and incarcerate every guard involved, but Aunt Celestia stopped them. She took every guard to her office and gave them a stern talking-to. After that, she ordered them to resume their duties. I don’t know what she did, but none of them even breathe out of order anymore. Of course, the reporter was sued and prohibited from nearing the castle, but apparently he used his little adventure to fabricate a nice little love story. I tried talking to Aunt Celestia about reprimanding him, but she just laughed and said that she found it much more entertaining to watch her ‘little ponies’ gossip about her potential love life.”

“So she doesn’t see anypony?” Dazzle asked, clearly disappointed.

“No, she doesn’t. I asked her about it once and she just laughed. She told me that, while many tried to court her, no one ever managed to capture her heart. I think it's because most of her subjects see her as goddess instead of a pony. They could never treat her as an equal. She understands that it must be hard to treat a princess as an equal, but over the years she has witnessed too many ponies trying to use her position in their own favor. She told me that, as of now, she is content with helping Equestria and its ponies thrive. She sometimes says that she sees her kingdom and its inhabitants as her children. “

“I can see that being a princess of an entire kingdom would bring forth moochers and upstarts as well. Good to know that you are there to keep her some company, Cadence. I can imagine that she can get lonely from time to time,” Velvet said pityingly. Cadence looked outside, a wistful expression passing over her face as she watched the moon rising.

“Well, I guess we’re keeping each other company,” she mumbled, shaking her head. “Not that it wouldn’t be nice to have a little cousin,” she continued, smiling at the foal in the room. Twilight, seemingly sensing she was being watched, stopped her grumpy staring contest with her grandmother and looked at the young alicorn. Identifying her observer to be Cadence, the small filly broke into a large grin, happily waving at the Princess.

“I can see that. It’s hard work, but having a foal is a wonderful experience,” Velvet said, tickling her daughter with a hoof.

They continued their dinner in silence, snips of conversation sparking only occasionally. When the time for dessert came, Velvet raised her voice.

“While I clean the table - and Twilight - would you go over to the living room? I have a plate of soufflé topped with ice cream prepared.”

“Why, Velvet, please let me help you,” Aurella offered, starting to pick up some dishes in her magic.

“Nonono, mom. Thank you very much for the offer, but you are our guest,” Velvet said, taking the dishes away from her mother.

“Nonsense. After your delightful cooking, it is my pleasure to help,” Aurella protested, yanking the porcelain back towards her

“I assure you that everything is alright,” Velvet ended the discussion, taking every dish from the table and stomping, as resolutely as one could with a wobbly tower of porcelain, into the kitchen.

“Well, maybe we should go,” Orion said to the circle of ponies, already standing at the door.

“Just a minute, dear. Just let me clean our sweet little grandchild first,” Dazzle said, adamantly stomping towards Twilight’s high stool. The filly, seeing the mare approach, squealed in fear and disappeared in a purple flash.She reappeared behind Cadence’s forelegs, hugging one and pressing her cheek to it. The princess shivered slightly at the sensation of the foal smudging her pink coat with food debris.

“Wow, she really doesn’t like you,” Velvet taunted with a mocking smile.

“Hrmph, whatever,” Dazzle hissed, wrinkling up her nose and walking out. Velvet watched her with a smug expression, then turned to Cadence.

“I’m sorry that Twilight made you all dirty, dear,” she apologized.

“That’s quite alright. In fact, why don’t you let me clean up Twilight? That would give you more time for the dishes.”

“Why, that’s very generous of you. Thank you very much.”

“You’re quite welcome. Come on, Twilight, let’s get your widdle face cleaned up,” Cadence cooed, picking Twilight up in her magic and walking towards the bathroom. The rest filed out of the kitchen, Octavius pulling Night Light to the side.

“Wow, your filly really hates your mother, doesn’t she?” Octavius asked Night Light in a hushed voice.

“Got that one from her mother,” he droned, disgruntled, as they made their way towards the living room.

^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^

“Wow, Twilight, you really did manage to get yourself quite dirty,” Cadence said as she picked the foal up and held her above the sink. “You even got your pretty white dress dirty.” Twilight looked at her then picked at her dress again. Cadence smiled sympathetically. “You don’t like it, do you? Well, how about we just take it off? I will tell your mommy it was way too dirty,” Cadence giggled. Lighting her horn, she freed the filly of the gown. The subsequent realization of freedom elicited a happy squeal from the foal. With a spark of her magic, the young princess turned on the water and levitated a bottle of foal soap nearer.

“Now, let’s see. ‘For body and face, new, no-tear formula’,” she read aloud. “Hmm. Let’s just hope this ‘new no-tear formula’ works better than it did in my foalhood,” she mused, eyeing the bottle suspiciously. She took Twilight into her magic carefully, freeing her hooves. Giving the bottle another suspicious glance, she proceeded to lather her hooves and carefully applied some under an eye.

“Hmm. Well, nothing hurts. Alright, Twily, let’s get you cleaned up.” She took the foal’s hooves and held them under the water, gently lathering them up. When she was satisfied, Cadence carefully scrubbed the foal’s face. “Aaaand we’re done,” she said, setting Twilight down on the floor. Taking a towel from a near rack, she proceeded to dry the foal off. As soon as she was done, the filly got up and toddled towards the door. Intrigued, Cadence opened the door, deciding to see what the filly was up to. Twilight trotted up towards a door adjacent to the bathroom. A sign was fixed to it, ‘Shining Armor’ written on it in a curly style. Twilight stopped at the door, looking up at the door knob. She looked over her shoulder towards the curious Cadence and tapped at the door.

“I don’t think we should just go in there, Twilight. This is your brother’s room, after all. I’m pretty sure he would be miffed if we trespassed on his privacy.” The young princess watched as Twilight toddled behind her. Once she had reached Cadence, she pressed her little body against one of her hind legs. It seemed to her the foal was trying to push her forward. “Come now, Twilight. We really shouldn’t do this. Why don’t we go back downstairs? I’m sure your family is waiting for you.” She looked down into the foal’s face, noticing the tears welling in Twilight’s eyes. “Oh, fine, but I’ll blame you if Shining finds out,” Cadence groaned, carefully opening the door with her magic. Twilight gave a delighted squeal and zipped past her into the room. Sighing, Cadence followed the foal into Shining’s bedroom.

“Wow. This is… unexpected.” She had heard from other fillies with brothers that a colt’s bedroom was always in the worst shape possible but Shining’s room was the complete opposite. Not a single piece of dirty clothing could be found on the floor. The desk was empty, save for a few writing utensils, and cleaned to perfection. Even the bed was made neatly. Looking up, Cadence noticed posters of famous soldiers hanging above the pillows. She spotted Commander Hurricane in front of a group of Pegasi. To the left stood the unicorn general Steelsoul and his infamous Doom Squad, and to the far right was Baron Earthquake of the earth ponies.

A giggle drew her attention to a far corner of the room. She spotted Twilight sitting in front of what seemed to be a photo album. As she approached, the foal turned around and presented a photo to her. It was one that had been taken a week ago. It displayed her and Shining with Twilight between them. Cadence took it into her magic and regarded it under the watchful gaze of the purple filly. She felt a warm fluttering in her chest as she thought about the fun times she had had with Shining and the fun times that were yet to come, especially with Twilight. She dreamily stroked the picture with a hoof. Gently laying the photograph down on the bed, she turned back to Twilight, who had stopped regarding her and was now curiously munching on her tail. Cadence sat down on her haunches and, with a bit of moisture in her eyes, picked up the foal. She gave her a big smile, and her heart gave a joyful lurch when the filly returned it. A tear of utmost joy running down her face, she hugged the filly close to her chest, gently nuzzling into her neck. She felt Twilight relax into the hug and cling her little fore legs around her neck.

You were wrong, Nightmare, Cadence thought confidently. I will never fall for your lies. THIS is where I belong. These ‘mortals’ are worth more than anything! I will do everything in my power to protect them. They mean too much to me. Just as… she gave a hushed gasp, making Twilight shift a little, …Aunt Celestia. Her head dropped in shame a bit as she thought about how she had treated the solar princess. I will make everything right. I will go to her as soon as I’m done here. I will make you proud, mother.

“Thank you, Twilight,” she said, softly kissing the foal’s forehead. “For everything.” She felt a small tongue caress her cheek, and noticed the purple filly had licked one of her tears away. Smiling, Cadance dried her eyes by rubbing a hoof over them. She stood and placed Twilight on her back, giving the filly a confident smile. “Now, what do you say? Should we go back down to your mommy and Shining?” The foal clapped her hooves at the mention of her mother and brother. Cadence started for the door, but stopped at the desk. She picked up a quill and quickly signed the photograph. Stepping out, she closed the door to Shining’s room and descended the stairs, her mind still on the happy moment shared with Twilight.

^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^

“Well, here she is, Mrs. Sparkle. Clean as a whistle,” Cadence proclaimed as she and Twilight stepped back into the living room.

“Great. Thank you so much. But where did you leave her dress?” Velvet asked, a little disappointed.

“I’m sorry, but it was too dirty to clean in time,” Cadence replied, smiling mischievously at Twilight.

“Aww, that’s a real shame. It looked so cute on her. Don’t think she liked it, though,” Velvet said, taking her foal and placing her on her back.

“Yeah, I think she was quite happy when I doffed it,” the alicorn said, winking at the filly. “Now, have you seen Shining?”

“He said something about ‘making things right’ nearly fifteen minutes ago,” Night Light interjected, walking up to the pair. “I think he went into the garden. Could you tell him to get back inside?”

I bet ‘making things right’ involves a bed of tulips, Cadence mused. “Of course, Sir, I’ll look for him right away.” With a quick strut, Cadence left the living room through the patio door and began looking for Shining. Just as she had thought, he was frantically working his magic on the flower bed.

“What are you doing?” she asked, making the colt jump up with a girly scream and spinning around to face her.

“Damn, don’t scare me like that. I thought you were my mother,” Shining hissed, wiping his brow.

“Charming,” the princess replied humorlessly, watching as the colt resumed his work. “Seriously, what are you trying to achieve?”

“Damage control. I dig out the broken flowers and use a quick illusion spell to mirror the good ones,” he explained, dropping a bulb into a hole. “Oh, and I’m planting new bulbs so that there’ll be new tulips soon. That was the last one.”

“Why don’t you use a growing spell on the bulbs?” the pink alicorn asked, working her magic at the fresh mounds. Soon, shoots grew from the mounds, developing into perfect tulips in front of Shining’s stunned eyes.

“Cadence… that’s fantastic! Thank you so much. You’re the best,” he exclaimed, glomping her. The young mare blushed lightly, returning the hug.

“You’re quite welcome. Now come on, your parents are wondering what’s keeping you.” They walked back inside, passing Orion and Octavius.

“Now what have you two been up to in the gardens?” Octavius asked with an impish grin. Shining and Cadence both blushed deeply.

“N-nothing at all! I was just… showing something to Cadence. NonoNO!” he exclaimed when he noticed the gleeful expression both stallions were wearing. Before he could continue, the doorbell rang.

“That must be Raindrops! Now everypony, be nice to her. She’s just been divorced and certainly could use a cheer-up,” Dazzle said. “Night Light, open the door!”

“Who is Raindrops?” Octavius questioned Orion.

“She’s Night Light’s ex-marefriend. I have no idea why Dazzle invited her. She kept dodging the question all the time. I’m in suspense, to say the least.”

“Same here, dad,” Night Light said, passing the stallions and walking towards the door. Under his mother’s watchful eye, he carefully opened the door.

“Night Light! Darling! It’s great to see you,” Raindrops squealed as soon as the stallion had opened the door. “I can’t tell you how happy I am to be invited today.”

“Good day, Raindrops. Come on in. Please, let me take your coat,” Night Light said, inviting the yellow mare in. ”How have you been? I heard you just got divorced”

“Yes, unfortunately. But I try to make the best out of my situation.”

“That’s a good attitude.” Waving his wife and son over, Night Light continued. “I want you to meet my family. This here,” he said, ruffling his son’s mane,” is my son, Shining Armor.”

“Nice to meet you, ma’am,” Shining said, stretching out a hoof. Raindrops gave a giggle, then enclosed him in a hug.

“Please. ‘Ma’am’ is my mother. Just call me Raindrops,” she said.

“Well, moving on. You still remember my wife, Velvet?” Night Light continued. Raindrops nodded with a smile and moved to hug the mare, but Velvet held up a hoof and just nodded curtly. Darting her an angry glance, which she reciprocated to a T, Night Light continued. “And this is the newest addition to our family, our little filly, Twilight,” he said, nuzzling his daughter’s cheek and earning a smile from the foal. Velvet notcied with a jolt that Raindrops was suddenly standing at her side, eye-level with the perplexed filly.

“Aw, she’s so cute. Look how tiny her hooves are. And her chest is so fluffy!” she swooned.

“Yeah, right,” Velvet mumbled, taking a step back.

“My ex-husband and I wanted to have foals, too, but the stork never answered my letters, sadly,” Raindrops continued, turning to Night Light with a big smile.

“Oh yeah, and she’s dumb as a brick,” Orion whispered towards Octavius.

“Oh, err, did he now?” Night Light asked, highly confused.

“Yes, unfortunately. But it’s alright, divorcing wouldn’t have been too good a thing for a newborn foal. I still hope I can be a mother someday.” Dazzle smiled patronizingly.

“I’m sure you will be, dearie. But for now, how about we go back into the living room? I brought some exquisite wine you simply must taste a glass of.” She grabbed Raindrops by her fore hoof and dragged her over towards the middle of the room. Dropping her off on a seat, she almost immediately shoved a glass filled with a burgundy red liquid into her hoof. Dazzle grabbed her son by his ear with her magic and pulled him right next to the unsuspecting Raindrops. She herself sat down on Raindrops’ other side, laying a hoof across her withers. Velvet stomped over towards her husband, sitting down on her haunches right across him. She placed Twilight in her lap, directly in his line of sight. The foal looked at her mother in confusion. Giving a little yawn, she curled into a ball and closed her eyes.

“Now, Orion, Octavius, Aurella, come sit with us. I bet Raindrops has much to tell us about what has been going on in her life,” Velvet proclaimed pompously.

“No, not really. But thank you,” Raindrops said, smiling widely at Dazzle. Velvet snickered gleefully.

“Come on. There must be something. For example, what do you do for a living?” Aurella asked.

“I inherited a sucessful hairdressing salon, while my ex-husband was the manager and owner of White Muzzle Mane Care.”

“Your ex-husband was Star Dream? Oh, I love his collection No.5,” Aurella swooned.

"Yes. Unfortunately, things didn't work out between us, so I had to divorce him"

“That’s sad to hear. How are you both coping with the situation?” Night Light questioned.

“Oh, well, it’s hard, but I try to cope. Star Dream is a great help. He still hurts, but he doesn’t show it. In fact, he supports me as good as he can. I really pity the poor dear now that I can look back, but we couldn’t have stayed married any longer. There was something I found out that I had to confront him with. Turns out, we had different opinions about it, and that’s when I decided to leave him.”

“Oh, dearie, I’m so sorry to hear that. Not all stallions can be like my Night Light,” Dazzle shamed. “What was it that made you leave, though? Was he seeing someone else? Oh, I’m sure he had a secret fling with one of his secretaries.”

“Dazzle!” Velvet scolded, holding her hooves over her daughter’s ears. “There’s a foal in this room, you know?”

“Oh, lighten up. So, dearie, what did this lying sack do to you?”

“Nothing at all. It was I who did something to him.”

“Why? What did you find out after all?” Night Light asked.

“Well, as it turns out, my interest in stallions is less intense than I thought it was.” Raindrops answered, casting a loving gaze towards Dazzle. Upon hearing this, Dazzle spat out the wine she had been sipping.

“Well, that’s a new one,” Orion whispered with a smirk.

“Twenty bits says your wife freaks out,” Octavius answered with a challenging grin.

“You’re on!”

“So, Raindrops,” Velvet began, grinning from ear to ear, “when did you realize your attraction to fillies?”

“Hmm,” Raindrops mused, tapping a hoof to her chin. “I think it was a couple of weeks ago. You see, I was strolling through Canterlot Mane Street when I stumbled upon your mother-in-law. Long story short, she invited me for some tea. And while I was there I realized how much fun I had with her when I was still seeing Night Light.The dates were always quite boring, but I guess the best times were when I was invited to his place. No offense, dear,” she apologized towards the slightly confused and miffed Night Light.

“None taken,” he grumbled, crossing his forehooves. Velvet interrupted her questioning to cast him a sympathetic look, then turned back to Raindrops.

“Well I’m happy for you. And I think speak for all of us when I tell you that we’re proud of you for standing for who you really are and coming out of the closet just like that. Isn’t that right, Dazzle?”

"But of course, dear Velvet. I couldn't agree with you more. We're all so happy for you, Raindrops. Very happy indeed," Dazzle answered exuberantly:

"Only a few more seconds until she snaps," Octavius whispered gleefully.

“Thank you all so much! Especially you, Dazzle. I was afraid that you would be disappointed in me or would shun me when you found out,” Raindrops said, grabbing the mare and kissing her brow. “I feel so much better now that I have this off my chest.”

“That’s… great to hear,” Dazzle responded with a forced smile, prying herself from the sun-colored Pegasus. Velvet grinned as she watched Raindrops nuzzle herself against the slightly panicked Dazzle. A stir in her lap suddenly drew her attention. Looking down, she noticed Twilight had woken up from her little nap. She was in the process of sleepily rubbing her eyes with a hoof and yawning. Smiling lovingly, Velvet picked up her daughter before gently licking the foal’s forehead just under the horn. Twilight giggled at the tickling sensation.

“Aww, this is just so cute,” Raindrops squealed, making both mother and daughter turn to her. “Oh, having a foal must be so great!”

“It’s a lot of work, but it’s really the best thing in the world. Especially when your foal is such a loveable little filly,” Velvet replied, kissing Twilight’s forehead.

“Oh, I can imagine that. Hopefully, I’ll have a foal someday.”

“I’m sure you will,” Night Light chimed in. “Someday you’ll find a nice mare and get foals of your own.”

“That would be so great. Wouldn’t that be great, Dazzle? I could drop by and show you my mare and we could have some tea and talk and play with my little filly or colt,” Raindrops cheered, stroking one of Dazzle’s legs.

“Why… yes, that would be great. We could have… tea… and talk about the foal and have… tea,” Dazzle stammered, aghast, while scooting a bit away from Raindrops. The yellow mare giggled at the unicorn’s antics, flashing her a loving smile and turning towards Cadence.

“Speaking of foals and love, how come we are graced with the visit of a princess tonight?” she asked, smiling at the pink alicorn.

“Well, I was invited by my dear friend, Shining Armor,” Cadence replied, smiling at Shining.

“Oh, how ROMANTIC! Dazzle, you didn’t tell me that your grandson was in love with Princess Cadence!”

“NO!” Cadence and Shining squealed in unison, both becoming beet red.

“We’re just friends,” Cadence continued, holding her hooves before her face to hide her deep blush.

“Yes. We go to school together,” Shining added.

“Aww, that’s too bad. You two would make a cute couple together, I’m sure.” Shining and Cadence both turned sideways, avoiding each other’s eye.

“As would you and Dazzle, I think,” Velvet suggested, barely hiding her gleeful smirk as Dazzle started.

“Hey, your daughter is fighting with unfair methods,” Orion muttered towards the grinning Octavius.

“She only wants her old father to get that twenty bits. Got that one from her mother,” he whispered back.

“Well, maybe. I mean, if she wasn’t married, I’m sure I would be after her,” Raindrops joked, winking at Dazzle.

“I’m flattered, but I’m happily married, dear. Thank you very much, Velvet,” Dazzle hissed towards her daughter in law.

“Aw, come on, Dazzle, don’t be like that. She was only joking. You really need to lighten up,” the yellow Pegasus said, nuzzling her cheek against the unicorn’s.

“STOP! For the love of Celestia, just stop! Why do you have to be this way? Why are you flirting with me? Couldn’t you just have gotten back together with my Night Light?”

“Oh Dazzle,” Raindrops giggled. “You’re so cute when you’re angry. As I told you, I’m gay.”

“Why… but you … GARGH!” Dazzle screamed, storming off into the kitchen.

“Damnit,” Orion grumbled, fishing round his pocket for twenty bits. Muttering under his breath, he layed the coins into Octavius’ waiting hoof before following his wife

“Well, that was strange. Anyway, as much as I dislike it, I have to leave now. I have an appointment for a fertility dance I simply must keep. This week we’ll have our first nudity session,” the yellow mare said, rising from her spot. The Sparkle family looked at her in bewilderment. Night Light shook his head and stood up as well, accompanying her. “It was nice meeting you again.”

“The pleasure was all ours,” Velvet said, also getting up. She placed Twilight on her back again, trotting towards Raindrops with a genuine smile. “You are always welcome to visit.”

“Thank you very much. Goodbye,” Raindrops said, stepping through the door.

"Goodbye, Raindrops," they all called after her in unison. As soon as Night Light closed the door, Dazzle stormed back into the living room, followed by a very grumpy Orion.

“Well, that was a nice visit, wasn’t it?” Velvet asked, watching her husband following his parents.

“Yes, it was. Thank you for your indulgence with Raindrops,” Night Light replied, stroking his wife’s cheek.

“It was my pleasure. It turns out she was a very amicable pony. Wouldn’t you agree, dearest Dazzle?”

“Very amicable,” Dazzle replied through clenched teeth.

^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^

The rest of the evening passed rather uneventfully, except for Dazzle grumbling about Raindrops. Casting bitter glances at her son, she murmured things like “passed chance” and “damn shame”. Amid a heated discussion between Night Light and Octavius about the funding of music, a bored Aurella checked the clock and gasped.

“Oh, dear, it’s already eleven. Octavius, dear, we need to hurry, or we will miss our train back,” she said, getting up.

“You’re driving back to Manehattan tonight?” Orion asked, incredulous.

“Oh, yes. We have two seats in the overnighter. I have some classes tomorrow,” Octavius replied, also rising to his hooves.

“Well, I guess we should end our get-together. It’s late and I’m sure Princess Cadence has to get back to the palace.” Cadence, who had been busy talking to Shining and Velvet, looked up. Seeing how late it already was, she gave a shriek, waking Twilight in the process. The foal, being ripped from her slumber, promptly started to wail.

“Ohnoohnoohno! This is bad! I should have been at the palace a long time ago,” she squeaked, jumping to her hooves.

“Well, this seems like a perfect stopping point,” Velvet said, comforting the bawling Twilight.

“Well then, we will be on our way as well,” Orion said, taking his wife’s hoof and leading her out. Night Light and Shining followed the small group lead by a frantic Cadence. Velvet gave her foal a last comforting kiss on the forehead before placing her on her back and also stepping into the hall.

“It has been a delightful evening, but I have to go! Thank you very much! See you tomorrow, Shining,” Cadence said rapidly, yanking open the door to be greeted by Sergeant Ironlance. “S-Sergeant I-Ironlance,” the pink alicorn squeaked at the sight of the royal guard.

“Your highness,” Ironlance replied, eyeing her sternly. “Princess Celestia has ordered us to pick you up. Would you please follow me? Your chariot is ready.” Peeking past the Sergeant, Cadence noticed one of her Aunt’s chariots. Three pegasi were already harnessed, with one place left for Ironlance.

“I… of course, Sergeant. Thank you very much.” Turning to the family again, she gave a small smile. “Well, thank you again for your invitation.”

“It was our pleasure, your highness. Have a nice evening,” Night Light said, smiling. The other ponies assembled all nodded or confirmed Night Light’s words. From Velvet’s back, Twilight happily waved at the princess. Cadance grinned, waving back at the foal. Tearing herself away, she at last followed the guard up to the chariot and climbed in. As the chariot began to pull into the sky, she gave the Sparkles a final wave goodbye.

“You caused quite the commotion at the palace, you know,” Ironlance said as soon as they were in the air.

“I know. And I’m sorry for tricking you, Sergeant. Please consider that I didn’t do it to cause you trouble,” Cadence replied.

“I know. I bear you no ill will.”

“Thank you very much.” Hopefully Aunt Celestia won’t, either.

^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^

A short time later, Cadence stood at the door that led to her Aunt’s chambers. Gulping loudly, she knocked.

“Enter,” she heard Celestia’s voice. She took a deep breath, steeling her nerves for the inevitable, and opened the door. Stepping through, she saw the Princess sitting at the window. She was looking at the moon with an unreadable expression, her back turned to face Cadence.

“Good evening, Aunt Celestia,” she said, respectfully taking a bow.

“Good evening to you as well, Cadenza,” Celestia replied. Cadence noticed with a wince that the sun princess was addressing her by her birth name.

“Aunty, I’m so, so sorry for disobeying your rules. I know you just have my best interests at heart, but I so wanted to see the Sparkles and their foal again. And I’m really sorry for the things I said to you. Please don’t be mad with me,” the pink alicorn said, her head sinking. Celestia sighed and turned around.

“Cadenza, I’m not mad at you. I’m just… disappointed with you. You know I only wanted to save you. With what happened earlier today, I feared leaving you with a foal could be dangerous.”

“But it wasn’t, Aunty. It was a great evening.”

Celestia stared directly into her eyes. “Be that as it may, you acted rash, careless, impulsive, emotional and–“ she stopped, giving her niece a small smile “ – so much like your mother would have done.”

“She… I… what?”

Celestia chuckled at her niece’s baffled expression. “Luna always acted on her emotions. She was an artist, after all. Cadence, I’m not angry. I just hope in the future you will at least respect what I have to say.”

“I promise, Aunty. Thank you for forgiving me.” They shared a quick hug.

“You’re quite welcome, dear. Now tell me all about your evening.”

^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^

“Alright, Twily, time for bed,” Velvet said, approaching Twilight's crib with her husband and son not far behind. She changed Twilight’s diaper, levitating a small bag next to the foal once she was finally done.

“What’s this, mom?” Shining asked.

“Oh, I found this while shopping today. It’s incredible what ponies make these days.” Velvet replied, opening the bag to reveal a plushie and a foal-sized playsuit. She quickly clothed the foal in it, presenting her to her family.

“It’s a… Princess Celestia playsuit?”

“Yes, it is. Isn’t this incredible?” She held Twilight in front of a mirror. The foal regarded herself, happily clapping her hooves at the sight. “And it seems Twilight likes it.”

“Of course she does. She looks adorable in it. Who is daddy’s little princess? You are!” Night Light cooed, rubbing his snout against his daughter’s.

“Alright, let's let Twilight get to sleep. We can play with the Princess Celestia suit more in the morning,” Velvet announced, placing Twilight in her crib and blanketing her. She gave the foal a kiss on her forehead and a gentle nuzzle before levitating the blue alicorn plushy into her fore hooves and a pacifier into her muzzle. “Goodnight, my sweet.”

“Goodnight, my dear,” Night Light said, also giving his filly a kiss and a nuzzle. Shining contented himself with a nuzzle and a wink.

“Say ‘Goodnight, Mommy, Daddy and Shining’, Twily,” Velvet said, smiling at her foal. Twilight just yawned and turned to her side, gently suckling on her pacifier as she began to fall asleep.

“Well, I guess it’s time for us all to go to bed. I’m exhausted,” Night Light announced, stretching his back.

“Good idea. Goodnight, mom, dad and Twily.”

“Goodnight, Shining,” Velvet and Night Light said in unison as Shining stepped out of the room.

Night Light and Velvet watched as Twilight curled into a ball, happily cooing to herself. With a smile, they stepped out of the room. Night Light switched out the lights and closed the door. As soon as the door clicked shut, however, they heard a low wail, which erupted into a high pitched howling. Looking at each other, they sighed, going into their bedroom to fetch a few blankets. It was going to be a long night.

^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^

Parades And Cakes

Author's Note

Here it is, folks. The newest chapter of 'Twilight's Life', edited by Knight of Cerebus and (nice to have him back) WhatTheMoo

On a side note, please read my blog post

Parades And Cakes

Cadence packed her books together with a smile. She already had plans for the day. She would return to the castle for lunch with Celestia, then she would proceed with her homework and the project her aunt had given her.

And today, come late afternoon, will be the day I take care of little Twilight, she mused. Her smile grew into a huge grin at the prospect. “Well, that was a very interesting class today, wasn’t it? A perfect topic on a perfect day, wouldn’t you agree?” she asked. When she received no answer, she turned towards Shining. She noticed the colt had his head on his forelegs and appeared to be slumbering deeply. The young princess shook her head in disbelief. Suddenly, an idea struck her and her grin turned impish. Sneaking up to him, she lowered her muzzle until it was only inches away from his ear. Remember that you brought this on yourself. With that, she attacked.

“OW!” Shining screamed, recoiling. His haste to get up caused one of his forelegs to slip, making him land flat on the ground. The students that hadn’t already left roared with laughter.

“Oh my, Shining Armor, are you alright?” Cadance asked innocently through the noise of the remaining classmates.

“Ow. What? Who? Cadance?” he stuttered. Blushing, he rose to his hooves. “Did you just… bite me?”

“Bite you? Why in Equestria would I bite you?” the pink alicorn asked with feigned indignation. She huffed and turned around to conceal the growing smirk on her face.

“But… you must have done it! I mean, my ear hurts. I – “ he stormed to a nearby mirror and regarded the side of his head. “There’s a bite mark on my ear! Admit it, you did it!”

“Did what, dearest Shiny?” Cadance asked innocently, turning back around. Shining Armor blushed at the nickname, but tried to keep his dignity.

“Bite me, of course! Who else would? I can’t believe you’d bite me! Why in Equestria would you do something like that?” Shining asked grumpily. Cadance giggled and pushed him with a hoof.

“Lighten up, grumpy pants. I only did it because you asked for it when you slept in class... again,” the young princess answered, sticking her tongue out.

“Biting me in class, in front of everypony, that's totally mean,” the colt pouted. Cadence laughed, giving him a peck on the cheek. Just as she had planned, the colt became as red as a tomato. Seeing the few students around giggle and point their hooves at him, he quickly tried wiping off any traces of the princess’ kiss.

“Oh, Shining, grow up. There’s nothing visible. Is it really so embarrassing for you to get a peck?”

“That’s not it. I just don’t want it to be in public. It’s… uncool for colts,” Shining mumbled, a soft pink hue on his face.

“Well, at least it distracted you from whining about a little nibble,” she teased. Shining’s brow dropped into a frown and he turned his head away in a huff. “Why is it that you fell asleep anyway? I don’t think it’s because of the lesson. I know that Magic Practice is your favorite. What’s going on?”

“Twilight wouldn’t sleep last night. Apparently, she was too hyper after our get-together.”

“Aw, the poor dear. It’s not very healthy if a foal can’t get a good night’s rest.”

“Yeah, healthy for a foal,” Shining mumbled grumpily, giving a huge yawn.

“Oh, grow up. Tonight, you and your parents will have time to relax. I mean, you get to see the military parade and dine with Sir Fancy Pants and Commander Broadside of the Unicorn Special Forces.”

“Yeah, and it’s gonna be awesome! I can’t believe Dad managed to get any tickets for the parade. They were sold out months ago! And they’re even box seats!”

“And while you’re going to be in an absolute fancolt mode, I’m going to watch the sweetest filly in the world,” Cadance remarked.

“I’m NOT a fancolt. I’m just an interested observer.”

“Whatever you say, fancolt,” Cadance teased, flicking her tail over his nose. “Now, let’s go. We have to meet Aunty for lunch.”

“I’m no fancolt,” Shining murmured, following the princess outside.

^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^

“Now, Twily, are you excited? Today you will be foalsat by Princess Cadance herself,” Velvet said, lifting her foal out of the tub. “Doesn’t sound that like a lot of fun? Imagine all the games the two of you can play,” she swooned, drying off her filly. Twilight giggled at the tickling sensation of the towel. “Think about all the filly stuff boring colts would never even think about doing! I’m absolutely positive you two will get along perfectly. You already like her. Don’t you, my little princess? Who is mommy’s’ beautiful little princess? You are,” Velvet cooed, booping her daughter’s nose with her snout. The foal squealed in delight at her mother’s loving gesture.

“Mom, I’m hoUUARGH,” a voice ending in a huge yawn called from downstairs.

“We’re coming,” Velvet answered her son’s call. She gently set the foal on her back. “Alright, Twilight, time for lunch.” She carefully strode out the bathroom and down the stairs. She must be one of the luckiest foals in the world. Receiving a blessing from our beloved sun princess AND getting to be looked after by another princess. That’s not an everyday thing. I wonder what will become of you, she mused, stealing a glance at her daughter. Raising a brow, she noticed that the foal seemed to be ignoring her. The foal was looking around the room, trying to find something to catch her interest. Her eyes tracked a fly for a few seconds, but she lost interest again and decided to further burrow herself into her mother’s back instead. Velvet shook her head, smiling fondly. Well, time shall tell. Stepping into the kitchen, she was greeted by a very tired Shining. The colt was already sitting at the table with his face in his hooves. Obviously, he was in the process of dozing off, as his eyelids were barely open and drool was starting to drop onto the wood.

“Shining?” Velvet asked, gently prodding him. He, in response, mumbled something and turned away. Twilight suddenly fixed her searching eyes upon her brother, and let out a coo of exictement. She took a tuft of his mane and tugged and chewed on it, attempting to pull him into the waking world. The colt grunted and listlessly swatted in the air with his hoof, as if trying to chase off a fly.

“Twilight, stop annoying your brother,” Velvet reprimanded, trying to pull the mane away from Twilight’s hooves.

“AHBAHABA!” Twilight groused, holding the tuft even harder. Whenever her mother would try and take her treasure away from her, she would pull it to her chest and place her head between the mane and Velvet’s hoof.

“Twilight Andromeda Sparkle! You will let go of your brother’s mane this instant!” A quivering lower lip was the only warning Velvet got. Twilight let loose an ear-shattering wail not moments later, causing Shining to jump from his slumber.

“Wha-? Ow, my ears. OW! My head! What’s going on? Hey. Let go,” Shining called, pulling his head away from his sister. Twilight, upon seeing her brother was awake, instantly let go of his mane. She greeted him with a squeal and tried climbing down from her mother’s back.

“Had a rough night, dear?” Velvet asked her son, levitating the high chair next to him. She set Twilight down, who promptly nuzzled against her brother. The colt smiled and started caressing his sister’s cheek, making her coo happily.

“I only got about three hours of sleep last night. Thank Celestia Twilight eventually did run out of power during her tantrum, or I’d probably have slumbered in some hedge or something.”

“Yes, last night was really unfortunate. I think having all the guests around and her still teething made her too hyper to sleep,” Velvet replied lively. “After lunch you should get some sleep or you’ll be too tired for tonight.”

“Will do. How are you so awake, though? I mean, you stayed by Twilight’s side all night.

“Well, what can I say? I was always a ‘Night Pony’, if you will, and with being outside at night and having to go to university in the morning, you adopt new habits.”

“Huh. That makes sense. Does that mean Dad’s as chipper as you are?”

Velvet giggled impishly. “Don’t be so sure,” she said, just as the front door opened.

“Velvet, Twilight, Shining, I’m home,” a tired voice yawned. Night Light stepped into the kitchen, tripping over the threshold. He landed softly on Velvet’s magic and instantly fell asleep with a loud snore.

“You’ve got to be kidding me,” Shining said, incredulous. Velvet and Twilight just laughed.

^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^

“Good day, your Highness,” a guard saluted as Cadance stepped into the hallway leading towards the dining room. “Princess Celestia is expecting you.”

“Thank you. And please, just call me Cadance.”

“Please forgive me, your Highness, but it is not allowed for a guard to address his empress by her name,” he replied, falling into step with her.

“Well, in that case, I order you to call me Cadance,” the young princess declared with a friendly smile.

“Of course, your High- Cadance.” He stopped in front of the door and knocked three times.

“Enter,” they heard Princess Celestia call from the other side. The guard opened the door and stepped inside.

“Your Highness, Princess Cadance has arrived,” he said, stepping aside and allowing Cadance into the room.

It was one of the smaller rooms, reserved only for the princesses and their most important guests. The room was painted in a brilliant white trimmed with borders of pure gold. Lined around the walls were paintings depicting various gastronomic specialties of Equestria. In the middle sat a table of immaculate mahogany. It was surrounded by eight huge and very plush cushions stitched from the best velvet.

“Ah, Cadenza, welcome,” Celestia said as her niece stepped inside their dining room. “Thank you, Corporal Copperback, that will be all.”

“Of course, your Highness,” the guard said, bowing and leaving the room.

“Please, dear, have a seat,” the Sun Princess motioned for her niece to take a seat next to her.

“Thank you. How have things been today?” Cadance asked, taking the offered seat at the mahogany table.

“Quite quiet, thank you. How was your day? You seem to be in an excellent mood. “

“Yes, today’s school was very interesting, and to top a good day off, I’m going to foalsit Twilight Sparkle later this afternoon,” the young princess finished with a little squeal.

“Sounds like a delightful evening. Will the Sparkles attend the Parade this evening?”

“Yes, that’s the reason why they asked me. Sorry that I won’t be able to attend the Parade, though,” Cadance replied apologetically. Celestia waved a hoof.

“It is fine, dear. Those parades are not meant for young fillies, after all.”

“Yeah, I remember last time I attended one. I fell asleep while“, she suddenly was interrupted by a loud grumbling coming from her stomach, “eating,” she finished with an embarrassed pout.

“Oh dear,” Celestia giggled. “We should better start with lunch. That grumbling could scare off a manticore.” She laughed at the dirty look her niece was giving her. Lifting up a golden bell with her magic, she gently let it ring. Instantly, the doors to the kitchen flew open and half a dozen assistants rolled, carried and floated various dishes into the room. As the assistants reached the princesses, they simultaneously lifted the covers and placed the platters on the wooden table. Lunch consisted of various vegetables of different degrees of completion. There was a clay pot filled with gratinated asparagus, a bowl filled with potatoes with sour cream, a plate laden with grilled and marinated eggplant slices, raw lettuce and some carrots. A big bowl of onion soup stood right next to the desserts, which consisted of small strawberry cupcakes, brownies with liquid core and different slices of cake.

“Ah, Sous Bocuse always knows how to impress me. Everything looks so superb. I have to reprimand him, though. If he keeps cooking like that, I won’t fit into my throne anymore,” Celestia said with a merry laugh. She lifted a piece of Brussels sprout with her fork and curiously nibbled at it.

“Splendid! And to think I never liked Brussels sprouts before.” Turning to the assistants, she continued: “Please, send him my regards. He has outdone himself another time.” The assistants bowed and left the princesses to their lunch.

The Princesses started their lunch in silence. Cadance observed her aunt carefully. The solar princess ate with an unreadable, calm expression across her face. Now and then she would peek at her over her meal or glass of water.

“Tell me,” Celestia began, setting down her spoon. “How are you advancing on your studies on advanced object manipulation?”

“Quite well, I think. I already covered about half of the book you gave me.”

“Seriously?” the sun princess asked in a surprised tone. “That tome embraces five thousand pages and I gave it to you only a week ago.” Cadance smiled sheepishly.

“What can I say? It’s a really interesting book.” Celestia watched her niece with blatant pride.

“Can you show me what you learned so far?”

“Sure, watch this,” Cadance replied, her face taking a concentrated mien. Igniting her horn, she focused her magic on a muffineer, which grew some legs and started tap dancing around the flower vase. Releasing her magical hold on it, it stopped midair and toppled over, spilling its contents. “Phew, that wasn’t as easy as I’d hoped,” the young princess said, wiping her brow.

“Very good, my dear! That was a really impressive feat of magic,” Celestia praised her.

“Thanks, Aunty. I practiced a bit in recess today.”

“Just don’t overdo it. Use your breaks to actually take a break, not for learning.” Giving her niece an devious grin, she continued: ”Maybe you could ask young Shining Armor to give you a nice, relaxing massage.”

“AUNTY! We’re just friends,” Cadance replied furiously, her cheeks taking a deep pink hue.

“Can’t friends do something like that for each other? It’s just a benefit,” Celestia replied with a wink.

“How was your day?” the pink alicorn asked, trying her hardest to change the subject.

“As I told you, quite quiet. Only a minor ruckus between two farmers about stolen land. Turns out, the land they both regarded as their property actually belongs to a family of rock farmers.”

“Rock farmers? As in growing and harvesting rocks?” Cadance asked incredulously.

“I know it sounds weird, but they produce the best building stones you can imagine. And they are very modest. Hence, it was my pleasure to officially announce this field their property.”

“I take it the farmers didn’t like it.”

“Not at all. They started screaming and swearing about how unfair I was and that I exert a rule of tyranny.”

“How dare they –“

“Relax, things like this have happened ever since your mother and I ascended the throne. It was quite humorous. I told them that taking this land as their property was the real act of tyranny. I asked them if they would like it if somepony took their land without permission. That sidelined them for good,” Celestia finished with a small laugh in which Cadance joined. They continued to eat, the sun princess stealing glances at her niece, not sure how to approach the subject lingering in her mind. Deciding not to beat around the bush anymore, she cleared her throat to get the young alicorn’s attention.

“Well, Cadance,” Celestia began as they had finished their entrée and were proceeding to the dessert. “I have given thought to it, and I think I’ve come to a solution regarding your, lacking a better word, ‘discrepancy’ with the Nightmare.” Cadance nearly choked on her salad.

“You – what? Should we really work on it? I thought it best to ignore this problem?”

“No,” Celestia said firmly. “Ignoring such a thing could be dangerous. It could become more powerful if it isn’t strictly observed. Trust me, I know” she said, turning towards the direction Cadance knew the moon to be in.

“I understand. What do you propose we do about it?”

“Well, firstly I would want to have the both of us meditate every night, starting tonight. I will show you how to focus on your innate magic and to allow your mind to drift into the limbo.”

“What’s that?” Cadance asked curiously.

“I will explain later. For now, let us continue eating. I have a meeting with the griffon ambassador I have to attend before preparing everything for the parade.”

“Alright, I understand,” the young princess replied. They continued their meal in near silence, only small sparks of conversation igniting.

“Well,” Celestia started, placing her fork down and lifting a napkin towards her muzzle, “as delightful as our shared lunch was, and as much as I dislike to end our time together, I have to leave.”

“Of course. I think I should leave as well,” the younger alicorn replied, getting up. “Will we meet at your study when I get back?”

“That would be best,” Celestia said with a smile, also raising from her cushion. “Have a nice day and tell me all about your adventures with little Twilight. Goodbye,” and with that, Celestia turned around and walked out the door opposing the one Cadance had entered through.

“Nice day to you, too, Aunty. See you later! I’ll tell you about everything,” Cadance called after her.

^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^

“Alright, Princess Cadance will be here shortly. Did we check everything on the list?” Velvet asked in a frenzy. She was pacing up and down the kitchen while floating a twenty-five-hoof-long parchment next to her. “Did we leave enough diapers? Did we prepare some food for Twilight? DID WE EVEN PREPARE SOME FOOD FOR THE PRINCESS?!” She ran up to the fridge just to be stopped by a yank of her tail.

“Velvet, relax,” Night Light said soothingly as his wife struggled to free herself from his magic. “You triple-checked your checklist. Everything is fine.” Velvet took a deep breath as Night Light slowly sat her down on her haunches.

“You’re right. I’m overreacting. Just let me take a peek –“

“No! You’ve taken two peeks already.”

“Relax, mom,” Shining chimed in. “It’s not like Cadance is a helpless foal. No offense, Twily,” he added, looking down at his sister who just cocked her head.

“What’s more, I’ll leave some bits for her. That way, when she wants to, she can get herself and Twilight a snack or two,” Night Light said.

“Alright, I get it,” Velvet replied with a pout. It didn’t last long, however, as Twilight had toddled up to her mother. The foal now was in the process of nuzzling her head into her mother’s belly fur.

“See? Even Twilight is telling you to calm down,” Night Light said as Velvet caressed her daughter’s head. “Now, we should get ready to leave. I guess Princess Cadance will be here momentarily.”

^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^

Just outside the Sparkle house, the princess’ carriage landed with a soft thud. Cadance got out and walked up to the door, but not before bowing to her guards in gratitude. Raising a hoof, she attempted to knock, but stopped short of the door.

Come on, Cadance, calm down. It’s not as if you haven’t been at the Sparkle’s house before. It’s just foalsitting. Taking a deep breath, she steeled her nerves and knocked.

^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^

“Ah, that must be Princess Cadance.” With that, Night Light walked out of the kitchen and to the door. Velvet set Twilight on her back after a quick nuzzle and followed her husband, Shining in tow.

“Good day, Mr. Sparkle. As agreed upon, I’m here to foalsit your daughter,” Cadance greeted.

“Ah, good day, Cadance. How are you doing?” Night Light friendly asked as he invited the princess in.

“I’m feeling great, thank you. I can’t wait to start,” Cadance replied with a little squee. “Good day, Mrs. Sparkle.”

“And a good day to you,” Velvet greeted. “Good, since you’re so eager to start, let’s not waste any more time.” With that, she produced a scroll and hovered it towards the alicorn. Unfurling it, Cadance began reading with utmost care. “It’s a small checklist I’ve written. It should contain everything necessary when dealing with our little star. Since it should take a while, I’ll go prepare –“

“Done,” Cadance interjected, rolling the scroll together with a smile. Velvet regarded her with a stern gaze.

“Oh, really? Then you should have no problem repeating what’s written under point fifteen.”

“Velvet! I’m sorry, princess, but she – “ Night Light started.

“’When dealing with her diapers, make sure Twilight gets exactly three strokes of powder before fastening the diaper at medium’,” Cadance replied in one breath. Her smile had taken a challenging tone. “If I may be so bold, I think three and a half is better for a filly her age.” Velvet’s muzzle dropped open in surprise, her eyebrows racing towards her mane.

“Uh, Cadance? Maybe you shouldn’t – “

“Brilliant!” Velvet shouted, startling all other ponies in the room. “Oh, I see that our little filly will be in good hooves.” Night Light let out a breath he hadn’t realized he had been holding. With a smile, he lifted his daughter off his wife’s back. With utmost care, he placed the foal onto the princess’ back.

“Well, she’s all yours,” he said as he stepped back. Cadance turned around to look straight into the eyes of her charge, who was smiling broadly at her. As she watched, the filly burrowed deeper into her fur, making her skin tingle and her heart flutter.

“I will guard her like gold,” she said as she turned her head back.

“Alright, family, we should get going. Cadance, I left some bits on the kitchen counter should you need them. Now come on. Don’t want to make Mr. Pants wait,” Night Light announced, ushering his family towards the door.

“Maybe I should take a last check on –“ Velvet began to speak, but was silenced by a raised hoof from her husband.

“No more checking. Everything is fine. Now let’s go. Goodbye, Cadance and Twilight.”

“Party hard,” Shining said, winking at the alicorn and his sister. Velvet sighed in defeat and followed her husband and son.

“Be good, Twily. Mommy will be back soon,” she said, nuzzling her daughter a last time. “Take good care of my filly,” she added for the princess.

“Of course, Mrs. Sparkle,” Cadance said, looking over her shoulder towards the foal. “I will guard her like gold.”

“Alright, then. Have fun, you two.” With that, Velvet stepped out and Night Light closed the door behind them.

“Don’t worry,” the alicorn announced with a smile. “We will.”

^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^

“Maybe I should go back and help Cadance find her way around,” Velvet said as soon as the door was closed.

“Now, Velvet, I’m sure Princess Cadance will do just fine. Come now. We need to hurry or we’ll be running late. I’d hate for us to keep Sir Fancy Pants waiting.” With that, he gently poked his wife, urging her to continue. Velvet sighed, then gave a small smile.

“You’re right. I should trust Cadance more. She is a princess, after all.” Night Light beamed at her.

“Now that’s the spirit. As soon as we’re at the parade, you’ll be distracted, anyway. They say this year’s spectacle will be the grandest ever.”

“That sounds very nice, even though it will be more interesting for Shining. Maybe I can distract myself by talking to Fancy Pants’ wife.” Stopping for a second, Velvet stared intently at her husband. “He is married, isn’t he?” she asked with uncertainty.

“Yes, he is,” Night Light replied, suddenly grinning broadly. “You will never guess to whom, though. A little hint: I gave you her newest scarf collection. The one you had been dying to get.”

“You mean to tell me Sir Fancy Pants is married to supermodel Fleur-de-Lis?” Velvet asked incredulously.

“Bingo,” Night Light said.

“How wonderful! I get the chance to personally tell her how much I adore her collections!" Velvet swooned, gently patting the scarf around her neck.

"It's not like it'll be a secret, dear. After all, it's why I got you that present."

“And that’s why I gave you a little, ahem, present that night,” Velvet said, a flirty look on her face. Night Light went beet red.

“Ugh, gross,” Shining called, sticking his tongue out.

“It isn’t very nice to call your sister ‘gross’, Shining,” his mother reprimanded him.

“Wait… you mean… wha… UGH!” Shining shuddered heavily at the thought. “I think I’m gonna need to see a therapist.” Velvet just laughed as they continued on their way.

^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^

“Alright, Twilight, what do you want to do?” Cadance asked her charge back in the Sparkle’s home. She gently set the foal down in the middle of a blanket in the living room, sitting down across from her. She opened the foal’s toy box and carefully spilled its contents in front of the baby unicorn.

“Now, let’s see. We’ve got building blocks, a coloring book plus crayons, Rock-a-stack, the Sorting Cube and a ball.” She watched as the foal leaned in, eyeing every toy critically. Cadance had to suppress a squeal. She looks so adorable! That little frown! Aw, Cadance swooned internally. Finally, the filly picked up the coloring book, proudly presenting her choice to the princess. “So you want to color? The coloring book it is, then.”

Cadance sat next to the foal and gently opened the book to reveal a colorless drawing of her aunt and herself. “I didn’t know they drew me in a foal coloring book,” Cadance mused, flipping through the pages. She found drawings of farming ponies, Star Swirl the Bearded, and beings of the forest or some buildings like a windmill.

“Now, Twilight, what do you want to color?” The princess levitated the box of crayons next to the filly. Twilight began to rustle through the pages, trying to find a picture that satisfied her demands. Stopping at the beginning, she squealed in joy and tapped the black-and-white drawing of Cadance. The alicorn couldn’t help but smile at the choice. “So, you want to color me? Alright then, you will color me and I will color Aunt Celestia. Is that alright?” The filly held up the crayon box in response. “I’ll take that as a yes.” Cadance opened the box and levitated a pink crayon towards the foal, placing it in front of her.

“Have you ever colored something, Twily?” she asked, picking a green crayon out of the box. The filly looked at her quizzically. “I guess that means no. No problem, I’ll show you how it’s done. Since you haven’t learned levitation magic yet, you have to use your hooves. I’d let you use your muzzle, but seeing as you are still a toddler, you could hurt your gums or swallow a piece. Now, you just take your crayon into your fore hooves and gently sweep it over the paper,” she instructed, drawing a short green line into picture-Celestia’s mane. “See? Piece of cake! Now you try,” Cadance said, smiling expectantly at her charge. When she saw the foal hesitating, she stepped behind her. Gently taking the foal’s hooves into her own, she slowly guided the filly towards the book.

“Alright, Twilight, you just take the crayon,“she instructed, levitating the drawing piece into the foal’s hold, “and carefully draw a line onto the sheet. Watch out that you don’t draw over the boundaries.” She cautiously guided the foal over the sheet, drawing a small line on her paper counterpart’s left wing and stopping at the black line.

“That was easy, wasn’t it?” Cadance released the filly’s hooves, stepping back to her part of the book. Twilight happily babbled, launching herself onto the sheet. Without a care in the world, she clumsily drew lines to and fro. Grinning widely, Cadance returned to her own work. They continued coloring in silence, only broken by the rustling of paper and Twilight’s occasional giggle.

Well, that went better than I expected, Cadance mused after half an hour. And despite the fact I colored by hoof. She had managed to color her aunt’s paper counterpart without crossing a single boundary. Better yet, she had left out some spots in the mane while coloring, thus creating a few white spots in an ocean of color in perfect emulation of sparkling effect.

“Do you want to show me what you drew?” she asked, turning towards the filly with a smile. She stepped behind the foal and looked over her shoulder. Her smile turned into a frown as she saw Twilight’s ‘masterpiece’. The foal had seemingly used all the crayons. The Cadance in the coloring book had green legs, a brown body, pink wings, a yellow face and a completely navy blue mane. On more than one occasion, the foal had crossed the line, adding to the effect of a color explosion. What was more, the filly had drawn a horizontal line onto the muzzle, making it appear like Cadance was sporting a moustache not unlike the one Twilight’s and Shining’s grandfather had. Looking at the filly incredulously, she levitated the picture next to her face.

“Do I really look like that to you?” she asked bewildered. Twilight took her time, looking from the picture to her sitter with a neutral expression. Suddenly, her cheeks puffed up, and she started laughing hysterically. She rocked from side to side in her laughing fit, falling onto her back in the process. Cadance looked at her with a stunned expression for a few seconds. Then she, too, broke into laughter, crouching down and tickling the foal’s belly, to reinforce the sounds of delight coming from the filly.

“So you think it’s funny defacing me like that, huh?” She asked renewing her efforts on Twilight’s soft and obviously very ticklish underside. Giggling herself, she threw another look at the picture. “Well, could have been worse. I like the moustache, though. But ‘Princess Cadance’ doesn’t fit anymore, then. Which name to choose? I know! How about ‘Prince Bolero’?” she laughed, picking the foal up and dropping onto her back. Twilight cheered at the whirling sensation, gently settling onto Cadance's chest at its conclusion

“Okay, what do we do now?” the alicorn asked, looking up at the filly in her hooves. In that exact moment, both her’s and Twilight’s stomachs gave a growl. “Seems it’s time for snacks,” she giggled, picking herself up and placing the foal on her back.

I wonder how Shining and his parents are doing at the parade, she mused on the way into the kitchen

^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^

“Now, remember: be nice to Mr. Fancy Pants. He is my boss, after all,” Night Light instructed his family as they neared the entrance to the loges.

“Of course, dear. If he’s as charming as everypony says, we will have a delightful time,” Velvet calmed him. A burly unicorn was watching the three ponies approach suspiciously.

“Can I help you?” he asked in a rasp like a scratch along a wooden surface.

Whoa! I bet he can whet knives with that voice. “Err, yes. My name is Night Light Sparkle, and this is my wife and son. Sir Fancy Pants is awaiting us.” The guard looked at them skeptically. Using his magic, he brought a clipboard holding what appeared to be a list towards himself. Shooting glances at Night Light, who smiled awkwardly in return, he proceeded to read through the document.

“There is no Night Light or Sparkle on the list,” he finally said, looking down at Night Light.

“Excuse me? There has to be a mistake. I assure you, we are guests of Sir Fancy Pants,” Night Light said aghast.

“A bit for every time I heard this. Now, if you could be so kind to leave, you’re blocking the path.”

“Please, from gentlecolt to gentlecolt, could you be so kind as to get Sir Fancy Pants? I’m sure he –“

”“I will most certainly not bother the high chancellor with lies from some nopony! Now leave, or I’ll have to escort you from the premises,” he growled, cracking his wrists. Before Night Light could answer, however, a voice sounded behind the guard.

“Ah! Good afternoon, Night Light, my friend,” Fancy Pants greeted. He stepped down the stairs and made to stay beside the guard. “Perfect timing, I dare say. Please forgive me, but I had to squabble with Prince Blueblood over whether or not you would make it to the party, so you didn't make the list. I hope good Gruff Grump didn’t give you a hard time?”

“Not at all, Sir,” Night Light said, bowing his head.

“Perfect! Now. This is your family, I presume?”

“Yes, Sir. This is my wife, Twilight Velvet,” Night Light said, pointing at his wife.

“Good day, Sir Fancy Pants. It is an honor,” she said, respectfully bowing her head.

“The pleasure is all mine,” Fancy replied, taking one of Velvet’s hooves and hovering his lips above it.

“And this is my son, Shining Armor,” Night Light finished introducing.

“Hello, Sir,” Shining said, dipping his head.

“Hello, young Shining. Now, how about we take this up to my loge? The event is about to start, and I have some other guests waiting. Please, follow me.” With that, he turned around and led the family up the stairs. Night Light noticed his wife sticking her tongue out at the guard as they passed.

“Velvet!” he hissed. “Don’t do that!”

“Why? He asked for it,” she shot back.

“That may be true, but still.”

“Come on, dad. The way he acted, he begged for it.”

“I should have –“

“There we are,” Fancy Pants announced, interrupting their hushed bickering. Looking up, the family noticed two other couples standing at the railing. Night Light recognized one of them as the Heartstrings.

“Now then, I am sure you all know the Heartstrings,” Fancy Pants said, pointing at the two mint green ponies, who smiled at the small family in turn. “Moving on.” He stepped towards the next couple. It consisted of an elderly stallion with earth-colored fur and a grey mane and full beard and a gold-colored mare with a silver mane that appeared to be in her twenties. “This is Earl Grey. He is a business associate and owner of many companies in Baltimare. And this is his beautiful wife, Gold Digger,” Fancy Pants said, consecutively pointing to the stallion and mare. The Sparkles shot each other a quick glance, confirming they all had the same thought.

“Delighted to meet you,” Night Light said with a forced smile.

“Charmed,” Velvet followed, her smile more like a pained grimace. Shining just stared.

“Oh, the pleasure is all ours, dears,” Gold Digger replied with a loud, affected laugh. “Isn’t that right, my love?” she asked, poking her husband. The stallion, who had seemingly fallen asleep, started to look around blearily.

“Wha… who? Is it time for supper already?” he asked in a loud and croaking voice, moving to get up from his chair.

“No, Sir. I just wanted to greet you,” Night Light said respectfully.

“You want to beat me?! How dare you?! Why, you little, I should…” he replied, mumbling to himself at the end. His head slowly sunk back to his chest. A loud snore sounded moments later. Shining turned away out of boredom. Looking back towards where had come from, he was greeted by the sight of another unicorn coming their way.

“Whoa,” was all he could say, his cheeks flushing crimson. ‘Whoa’ proved to be a white unicorn with a tall, slender build, not unlike Princess Celestia. Her pink mane was streaked with a pristinely white stripe. It flowed down her neck, ending in elegant curls at chest height. Her Cutie Mark was a stylized iris: a fleur-de-lis.

“Well, that should cover – oh, Fleur. There you are. Ladies and Gentlemen, I’d like you to meet my wife, Fleur-De-Lis,” Fancy announced, noting his wife behind Shining. Night Light and Velvet turned around as well.

“Overjoyed to meet you,” Fleur said. Her deep, feminine voice helped to accentuate her features. She took a small, respectful bow.

“A pleasure,” Velvet replied, bowing as well.

“Yes, yes, a very huge pleasure,” Night Light said enthusiastically, bowing to the ground. Velvet shot him an annoyed stare.

“Well then. It seems the parade is about to start. I suggest we take our places. If anyone should feel hungry or thirsty, there are meals and drinks in the back,” Fancy announced with a smile. They took their places at the railing. Velvet noticed Shining ogling Fancy Pants and Fleur more often than not.

“If you keep that up, mister, you’ll wear blinders until this is over,” she hissed.

“Yes, ma’am,” Shining sighed, averting his eyes.

^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^

“Now, Twily, what should we make as a snack?” Cadance asked, stepping into the kitchen with the foal on her back. Suddenly, an idea struck her. “Hey, why don’t we bake a cake? We could show it to your family and tell them you did it,” she said, rubbing her nose against the foal’s. Twilight clapped her hooves in agreement, happily babbling at the princess. “Great! Alright, I know a great recipe I wanted to try. Let’s see if your parents have got everything we need.” She sat the foal in her high chair and proceeded to rummage through the cupboards. Pulling out every ingredient, she floated them towards the table with some bowls and an eggbeater. “Wow, they even have marzipan. That’ll make this cake perfect. I hope your parents are alright with me rummaging through their stuff. Well, it’s gonna be worthwhile, isn’t it?” she asked with an uncertain voice. The foal smiled at her, grabbing a bowl and pounding it onto her table.

“Well, I’ll just take that as a yes. Okay, let’s start,” the alicorn said, picking up the high chair and levitating it next to her. Twilight giggled at being floated next to Cadance from around the room.
“First we need to make the dough, because it has to prove in the fridge.” She levitated one egg, flour, sugar and butter to herself. She filled a bowl and started to mix the ingredients with her magic, slowly kneading a dough. She picked it up and placed it on the high chair’s surface. “Do you want to try? You’ll just have to use your hooves,” she instructed, pushing around the dough with her hooves. “You see? It’s easy.” Twilight poked one hoof into the mass curiously. When she pulled it back, she noticed some of the dough clinging to her hoof. She whimpered in apprehension and shook her hoof to rid herself of the sticky batter.

“Relax, Twily, it’s alright. See?” Cadance rubbed the foal’s hoof, making the dough fall of in tiny worms. Twilight giggled, poking the dough-worms with delight. Leaning over the high chair, she reached for more. “Easy, little one,” Cadance halted her with a smile. “We still need some for the cake, remember? How about we do it together?” She took one half of the dough and proceeded to knead the mixture. Twilight watched her for a moment, then started mimicking her with her own half. “Very good, my little pony! Alright, let’s use some flour so it doesn’t stick to the surface.”
Cadance took a bag of flour and carefully levitated it towards the foal. “Now, I need you to stop for a – Twilight, calm down!” she reprimanded uncertainly , for the foal was in the middle of pounding her hooves on the dough with full force, sending bits around the kitchen. “Twilight, watch out. You – OW!” the eager unicorn filly hit the princess on the horn with a hoof, causing her caretaker to rear up in pain and dissipate her magic.

“Twilight!” Cadance admonished, her stern gaze and tone finally bringing an end to the foal’s antics. “You have to be more careful of your surroundings. You can’t –“the rest of her lecture was cut short, for the flour landed square on her head, coloring her pink fur perfectly white. The filly, who had been watching her with an apologetic look, burst into overjoyed laughter punctuated by energetic hopping. “Well, had that one coming,” Cadance mumbled, levitating a towel to her face. Cleaning her eyes, she was able to open them to Twilight laughing and hopping. She smiled involuntarily. I just can’t stay mad at her. She’s just too cute! “Oh, you think that’s funny? Watch out, here comes ghost Princess Cadance to gobble you up!” the alicorn announced in an ominous voice, dashing towards the unicorn. Giving Twilight no chance to react, Cadance’s muzzle shot down.

“Take that, you little troublemaker,” she called, placing a floury raspberry on the foal’s chest. She renewed Twilight's laughter, and the two of them proceeded to giggle for a few moments“Oh, Twily. Look at that mess!” the princess groaned between breaths. “Your mother’s gonna kill us for this. Alright, here’s the deal: we clean the room as soon as we finish baking. We’ll write ‘Sorry’ on the cake, so if anything’s out of order when your parents return, we have the perfect amends. Sound good?” The foal looked at her for a few moments. Seemingly content, she clapped her hooves. “Very good. Now, let’s continue with our cake. But no more overenthusiasm. Got it?” The foal clapped again. “Awesome. Let’s do this, then,” she announced with a smile, feeling certain that there would be no more disaster.

^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^

“Disaster!” Cadance exclaimed an hour later. She pulled the finished cake out of the oven, setting it atop the counter. “How can one filly make such a mess? How can your mother even let you into the kitchen?” The foal looked at her with the face of a filly being admonished by her mother. She stuck out her lip and tried to hold back the tears pricking at her eyes. Taking a deep breath, Cadance forced a smile onto her face. “It’s alright. At least the cake is done. And with my magic, I’m sure I can clean this… I don’t even know what to call it.” She sparked her horn to life, concentrating on cleaning the dirty bowls and spoons first. As soon as she was done with that, she filled a bucket with water and, with a flick of her magic, simultaneously used five rags to scrub at the dough crusts and remains of flour. Noticing the look on Twilight’s face, she couldn’t help but smile smugly. Under the foal’s awestruck gaze, she made the kitchen sparkle once more.

“Phew,” the young princess exclaimed, wiping sweat from her brow. After twenty minutes of intense scrubbing she was finally done. “That wasn’t as hard as I had feared. Are you content with my work, Twily?” she asked, looking at the foal. The foal babbled at her happily, clapping her hooves. “Thought so.” Looking the filly over, Cadance decided that she needed serious cleaning. Walking over, she took the foal and placed her on her back. Stepping out of the kitchen, she began to climb the stairs. “Alright, Twilight, the kitchen is done. Now we only have to get you clean. How does a nice, warm bath sound to you?” As soon as the words had left her muzzle, she felt the filly tremble against her back. Before she could do anything, the filly disappeared in a purple flash, only to reappear on the landing. The filly looked at her with a face of pure shock and disappeared into a room adjacent to the bathroom.

“Hey! Come back!” Cadance called, darting up the stairs with the help of her wings and following Twilight into the room. A blush appeared on her face when she noticed it to be the Sparkle's bedroom. I really shouldn’t be here, she thought, deciding to get the filly and leave the room as quick as possible. Looking around, she saw a tiny patch of purple under the bed and recognized it as Twilight’s tail. As soon as she got down on her knees, however, the patch disappeared further under the bed. Peeking under it, she was faced with the sight of a scared-looking Twilight, who looked back at her with fearful eyes. “Come out from under there,” she said, gently taking the filly into her magic and pulling her out. The filly squealed and struggled on the way to the bathroom. She whimpered at the sight of Cadance closing the door. “What‘s wrong? Did I do something to scare you?” Seeing Twilight tremble more strongly when faced with the tub, the alicorn put two and two together.

“You don’t like baths, do you?” she asked the foal, gently setting her down on a hamper. From the look the filly was giving her, she knew the answer. “Oh, Twily, I’m sorry for trying to force you into it. You must think I’m downright betraying you.” Suddenly, an idea struck her, making her smile widely. “Hey, how about we bathe together? That way we’ll be stuck in the same boat, so to say.” The princess filled the tub with steaming water and some soaps, even putting a bath duck into the water. Taking the filly in her magic again, she - much to Twilight’s seeming surprise - climbed into the tub. As soon as she was settled, she levitated the filly right into her fore legs. She noticed with satisfaction that the foal had ceased her trembling. “See? That’s not so bad, is it?” Cadance asked with a laugh, poking her charge’s snout with a foamy hoof. She snickered when she noticed the large glob of foam that stuck to the foal’s face. Twilight whined, rubbing the bubbles with a hoof and looking at Cadance accusingly.

“Oh, don’t be a grumpy pants,” Cadance giggled, ruffling the filly’s mane. Twilight answered by giving her a grade A pout. “Oh, lighten up. After all,” the princess said, grabbing a hoofful of foam and spreading it on her chin, to create a foam beard, “Santa Hooves is watching you!” Twilight continued to sulk, listlessly dragging a hoof through the water. Cadance watched her bemusedly until, to her glee, she noticed the corners of the filly’s muzzle twitching upwards slightly. “Is that a smile I see on your face, Twily?” An idea struck her. Taking another hoof full of foam, she spread the mass on her whole face, mainly on her eyebrows and forehead. She lifted the foal’s face. “Look, Twilight, I am a cavepony! Ugh! Ugh! I, Cadance. You, Twilight. I live in cave; make fire with stone and wood. Ugga!” That brought the desired success. The filly finally broke out of her sulking with a fit of giggles directed at the princess’s antics.

“See? Baths aren’t that bad, are they now?” Cadance chimed in, washing her face clean. She watched the foal rub some foam on her face herself.

“Babah!” the filly exclaimed, showing her frothy face to the princess.

“Not bad,” the alicorn congratulated, clapping her hooves. “Hey, watch this.” She lifted some foam and, with a spark of her magic, made it burst into a dozen bubbles. The filly cheered, grabbing at the bubbles with her hooves. However, as soon as she left the water, she was racked with shivers. “Oh, let me help,” Cadance said, working her magic again. She created a small breeze of wind - just enough to make the bubbles drift towards Twilight. The foal poked the bubbles with a giggle, making them burst. “Alright, let’s get you cleaned up. Your parents and Shining should be home soon.” With that, she gently pulled the filly towards her chest and began lathering her mane and fur. To her utter satisfaction she noticed that the filly wasn’t trembling or struggling.

^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^

“That parade was awesome,” Shining cheered, pronking around his parents all the way home. “My favourite part was probably when Soarin’ was making that awesome spinning twirl trick while wearing a blindfold! Or that trick Sergeant Ironlance did! I can’t believe I got an autograph.”

“Alright, fancolt! Relax,” Night Light laughed. “I’m glad you liked it. And I’m especially thankful that Sir Fancy Pants offered us those seats. We couldn’t have found any better.”

“Or better food,” Velvet said dreamily. “That chocolate mousse was the best I ever had. Who would’ve thought that Mr. Pants’ wife, could cook something so delicious?”

“Yeah, I thought about that myself,” Shining chimed in. “Well, considering who was also present, Madame De-Lis’ cookeries weren’t the most surprising thing. I mean, seriously? That Earl Grey! He has to be at least a hundred years old! And he’s crazy! He really thought I was his grandchild!”

“You didn’t complain when he gave you those ten bits for being ‘such a good grandson’, now did you?” Velvet asked with a smug grin.

Shining turned red. “That’s not fair, mom. And, after all, you made me give it back.”

“Of course I did. You can’t just use an old stallion’s dementia to enrich yourself.”

“You mean like his wife?”

Velvet laughed. “Clever colt. You win this one. Now, I wonder what Cadance and Twilight are up to.”

^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^

“You are one strange little filly, you know that?” a confused Cadance asked Twilight. Having washed herself and the foal, she had struggled with getting them out of the tub. “First you make me feel like I betrayed you by getting you into the water, and now I’m betraying you for getting you out?” Twilight stuck her tongue out and giggled at the bemused face Cadance was giving her. The princess shook her head and smiled at her charge. “Alright, I guess that’s typical for a filly. Good. Now let’s get ourselves dried.” She levitated two towels from a rack and proceeded to ruffle both her and Twilight’s manes and fur with them. Looking at the mirror, she noticed the shock-headed look she had given them both.

“Oh dear. Look at us.” Grinning, she stuck her tongue out at the filly and crossed her eyes. She then whipped her head rapidly from left to right, shaking her mane and sending strands to and fro. Twilight laughed and clapped her hooves at the princess’ antics. Seeing her charge try to copy her made Cadance add to her laughter.

“Cadance! Twilight! We’re hooome!” A female voice sang from downstairs. Twilight immediately became jittery, her muscles aching to run out of the room

“Twily, hold up! I gotta get you groomed first,” Cadance said, quickly grabbing a brush. She proceeded to comb through both of their fur and manes as quickly yet gently as possible. The filly kept trying to avoid the brush and run to her mother. “Twilight, the more you struggle, the longer this will take,” Cadance admonished. Taking the filly in her magic, she redoubled her efforts. “And… done! Alright, let’s go.” Setting the brushes down, she followed the foal. By the time she had reached the bottom, however, the filly had already reached her mother.

“Aw, my little filly. There you are,” Velvet said, picking her daughter up as soon as the foal had landed on the landing. “Mmh, you smell nice. Did Cadance bathe you, my dear?”

“Yes, ma’am, I did,” Cadance said, taking the last step down the stairs. “It was necessary after some… unforeseen trouble while baking.”

“Baking?” Velvet asked, looking into the kitchen. Spotting the cake on the table, a smile spread over her face. “Aw, Twily, did you bake with Cadance? Was it fun?” The filly babbled happily, joyfully pointing at Cadance. “Why did you bake a cake, though?”

“Well, I thought it would be a fun thing to do. Every filly likes to bake, right?” Cadance said with a smile.

“I guess you’re right. And that cake looks delicious,” Night Light chimed in.

“I hope it is. Well, as much as I dislike breaking this up, I think Aunt Celestia is expecting me at the castle.”

“Of course,” Velvet said with a smile. “Night Light, where did you put the bits for the princess?”

“Nonono. I can’t accept any money for this. Foalsitting Twilight was my pleasure,” Cadance said with a smile, rubbing her snout against Twilight’s.

“But Cadance, we can’t just let you go back to the castle without at least paying you something,” Night Light protested, his sack of bits already floating beside him.

“I won’t accept any bits, and that’s final. Per royal decree, I forbid you to pay me bits for foalsitting your daughter,” Cadance replied, looking at them over her muzzle.

“Of course. As you wish, my princess,” Night Light said, he and his family bowing. The ponies stared at each other for a few moments. Suddenly, they burst into uproarious laughter simultaneously.

“Okay, this has been fun,” Velvet said, their laughter diminishing into a few light giggles. “But I think I should get Twilight to bed.”

“Alright, now I really should get going,” Cadance said, bowing her head slightly. “Goodnight, everypony. And thank you for letting me watch after little Twily,” she continued, rubbing her snout against Twilight’s a final time. As she turned, however, she felt a tug on her tail. Looking back, she noticed the foal had grabbed her tail and was holding her on the spot.

“Twily, stop that. Let go of Cadance,” Velvet admonished her daughter, trying to loosen her grip. Twilight shook her head and pulled the tuft of hair closer to herself, whimpering at the princess.

“Oh dear. I guess she wants you to stay,” Night Light sighed, looking at his daughter pityingly. The alicorn looked at the foal for a few moments. An idea struck her moments later.

“May I?” she asked, holding her hooves out towards Twilight. Velvet nodded, carefully hoofing the foal to the princess. Taking her, Cadance placed the foal on her back and started climbing the stairs. She walked towards the foal’s crib, the family following her in bemusement. Gently placing the restless foal inside, she soothed the filly into the crib by stroking her belly. “Now, Twily, it’s time to sleep. The sooner you rest, the sooner we will see each other again.” Turning around, she plucked out one of her primaries and levitated it into the foal’s forelegs. “Now you can pretend I never left,” she giggled, softly kissing the foal on her forehead. “Goodnight, my little pony.” The family watched in awe as the foal turned to her side and fell asleep, clutching the feather to her chest.

“Cadance! That was… awesome,” Shining whispered excitedly. His parents nodded enthusiastically.

“Piece of cake,” Cadance said with a quiet giggle. “Now, I suggest we let Twilight sleep and let me go back to the castle.” They made their way to the door again, Cadance stepping through and standing in the threshold. “Okay, then. Have a good night.”

“You too, Cadance. Thank you, for everything,” Night Light said with a smile.

“Goodnight, Cadance. See you soon,” Velvet bid goodbye.

“Bye, Cadance. See you,” Shining said.

“Goodbye,” Cadance called, spreading her wings. Jumping into the air, she took flight towards Canterlot Castle.

^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^

“Good evening, Princess Cadance,” the young alicorn was greeted mid-landing by a guard stationed in Celestia’s private garden. “Princess Celestia will be expecting you in her private studies.”

“Will be? Isn’t she back yet?” the princess asked confused.

The guard shook his head. “She was… delayed … by one of the nobles on her way.” Cadance nodded, starting for her aunt’s study. She had a premonition about what delayed meant. And, true to her suspicion, five minutes after the pink alicorn had made herself comfortable on one of the plush pillows, Celestia walked into the room. Her mane was disheveled and her head was drooping. She gave a huge yawn, her whole body shivering. Her eyes, normally an ocean of kindness, were bloodshot and baggy. Her muzzle, normally always curled in a benevolent smile, was a crooked line. The whole appearance reinforced the picture of a completely raddled goddess.

“Is one day of silence without bickering nobility too much to ask for?” she muttered tiredly. Finally, her gaze fell on the other occupant of the room. “Cadance! Thank Faust! Finally! At least one pony that is normal.”

“What happened, Aunty?” the young alicorn asked, getting up to embrace her aunt.

“The nobility happened,” Celestia yawned, hugging her niece to her chest. “Why is it that I can’t at least enjoy an annual parade without some foals bickering around and annoying me all the time?”

“Was it that bad?”

“Worse,” the sun princess huffed, getting comfortable on the pillows. “And Blueblood was worst of all. Just because he wasn’t allowed into the honorary ponies stands, he screamed and cried like a foal. Even after I intervened and reprimanded him, he wouldn’t just shut up! I just spent one hour of discussing with him.”

“Well, Blueblood is the biggest jerk around,” Cadance agreed with a nod. “Good thing I have something to ease your troubled mind.”

“I sincerely doubt that,” the monarch mumbled, nuzzling into the pillow.

“Oh, really? How about I tell you about my day with young Twilight for starters?”

Celestia perked up. “Oh, please, do tell. That’s just the thing I need right now.”

Cadance smiled, shifting to give her aunt space next to her. “Alright, then. Where do I start?”

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